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“Awareness is not passive; it’s active noticing.”
Self-awareness is the ability to notice your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also understanding how they affect both you and the people around you. It’s more than just knowing who you are; it’s being honest about how you show up in different moments.
When you’re self-aware, you can pause before reacting, recognize your emotional triggers, and choose responses that align with your values rather than your impulses. It’s the foundation for emotional growth, better relationships, and lasting peace.
Self-awareness is both a mirror and a teacher, showing you what’s really happening beneath the surface.
A Black Lady Note đź“ť
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of Emotional Intelligence; the skill that influences how you handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions.
The EQ-i 2.0 is a scientifically validated tool that measures your emotional intelligence across five key areas, including self-awareness.
It acts as a mirror, helping you see your emotional patterns clearly so you can lead with intention and balance.
I’ll be sharing more about how Emotional Intelligence works, and how the EQ-i 2.0 can help you discover your emotional strengths and growth areas. For now, just remember: Growth begins with awareness. 💛
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💬 My Story: The Mirror I Didn’t Expect
When my son was in kindergarten, his teacher mentioned he’d been getting in trouble for throwing things. She asked me gently, “Do you think he’s picked this up from home or maybe from TV?”
Without hesitation, I said no. I was sure it came from other kids in class. We both agreed and moved on.
But one day, after a long, stressful day, I got so frustrated that I slammed what I was holding down on the coffee table. I didn’t throw it, but the sound, the force, caught my attention. I froze.
In that instant, I thought:
“That’s where he’s getting it from.”
That moment was humbling. I realized I’d dismissed his teacher’s question because I didn’t see myself clearly. My son had become a mirror; reflecting the emotions I hadn’t learned to manage. That day shifted everything. I began noticing not just what I felt, but how I responded, and the ripple effect it had on those around me.
Sometimes self-awareness doesn’t come from looking inward. It comes from what others reflect back to us.
🪞How to Build More Self-Awareness
Here are a few ways to strengthen this muscle in your daily life:
- Reflect Daily – Take five minutes at the end of the day to ask, What went well? What felt heavy?
- Journal Your Emotions – Write what you’re feeling, not just what happened. Look for patterns over time.
- Pause Before Reacting – Ask yourself, What am I really feeling right now? (Is it anger, or am I overwhelmed?)
- Pay Attention to Feedback – When someone points something out, resist the urge to defend. Instead, ask yourself, Could there be truth here?
- Listen to Your Body – Stress, fatigue, and tension are all signals inviting you to pay attention.
✍🏾Journal Prompt
Think about the last time someone asked you a question or gave feedback that stuck with you. What did it reveal about how you respond, react, or carry stress?
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💪🏾Challenge Yourself
This week, notice your emotional “mirrors.” Maybe it’s your child, a coworker, or a moment that catches you off guard.
Ask yourself: What might this be showing me about me?
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💅🏾Affirmation
I choose to see myself clearly; not to criticize, but to grow.
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Self-awareness grows in small, consistent moments of honesty. It's not about judging yourself, it’s about noticing your patterns with curiosity, not shame. It’s realizing that your reactions tell a story; one worth understanding.
With love,
Ingrid
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