Trigger warning X Vulnerable moment . . .

This topic of self-awareness is so broad, yet important - we will continue to tackle this as Holy Spirit leads.

The reason we’re talking about it is because we must be made aware.

And unfortunately, most people lack true self-awareness.

I know... this is a REALLY bold statement to make, but it is so true!

As believers and Christian entrepreneurs called to serve and impact the lives of God’s people, we must be made aware of these unhealthy behaviors (sneaky, little foxes) that can secretly trickle down into every areas of our lives. Eventually small fires will become wild fires that cause more damage than was already there.

Reference Song of Solomon 2:15

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And as I continue to grow and mature in my life and my business, I've learned that self-awareness and uprooting the old isn't something that will harm me.

Here is my reasoning behind the lack:

🚨 It stems from childhood.

🚨 Something I'm sure many could relate to is that in one way or another, extreme or minor, we've all experienced some type of childhood trauma or pain - which can leave its victims with a sense of long-lasting vulnerability and fear.

🚨 A common form of protection that people use is emotional armor as a defense mechanism. For example, numbing out emotional pain/trauma with people pleasing, sarcasm, food, sex, drugs, etc.

🚨 Points 1 & 2 eventually develop into other problems in adulthood and manifest themselves as addictions, relationship problems, uncontrollable violence and more.

These unhealthy behaviors persist and continue to manifest themselves because there is no awareness of the importance of uprooting and doing the hard work.

→ To listen to part one of The Importance of Self-Awareness, click here.

Regardless of your childhood, we all have insecurities, vulnerabilities and emotional blindspots. And at a certain point, it becomes impossible to grow and mature into a higher level of happiness and success if those defense mechanisms resulting from what we mentioned above go unnoticed and unaddressed.

The reason there is so much hate and unhappiness in this world is because people lack self-awareness.

Brene Brown

Contrary to popular belief, we aren’t born disorganized and in need of building self-awareness. According to the research, humans are born with a sense of self-unity and awareness that with maturation and experience become conceptual. Without it, we wouldn’t develop the way we do.

Keywords here: maturation and experience. With maturation and experience of sense of self-awareness becomes conceptual and it continuing to go through life experiences shape and/or alter our sense of self-awareness.

As I’ve started this journey of being and becoming Successful Servant Leader, Holy Spirit continues to remind me of the importance of self-awareness. Why I need to uproot unhealthy behaviors and habits, talk about and work through past traumas, and discover healthy behaviors and habits to replace the old.

In ABA terms, replacement behaviors are used to substitute behaviors that limit learning and advancement, with behaviors that help promote success across daily-living tasks and interactions.

Here are some replacement behaviors (habits) I’ve found myself doing now that I’ve been working on becoming more self-aware:

• I listen more than I talk. — still a work in progress :)

• I focus more on my own mind, thoughts and behaviors rather than those of others.

• I practice more positive self-reflection as a mother, wife, sister/daughter and business owner.

• I ask for feedback, but only when needed and only from people/places that make me feel safe.

• I look for emotional blindspots and when they’re found I speak God’s word over my life and the specific situation.

  • This is a form of reworking my language and thoughts to benefit me. I am speaking contrary to the emotional blind spot with the truth of the Word of God.

You’ll never find true happiness or success if you’re not self-aware.

Victoria Grace

I challenge you to start your journey towards self-awareness and don’t be afraid to seek help when you’re stuck or have no idea what to do.

💭 What're your thoughts on self-awareness? As you've grown older, how have you learned to become more self-aware? Is there more work for you to do? 🙋🏾‍♀️

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→ To read part one of The Importance of Self-Awareness, click here.

pss. an audio expansion of this blog post will be uploaded this Thursday, April 29 - make sure you’re subscribed 🥳

Blessings and abundance on your journey and beyond,

xoxo,

Victoria Grace, MS

Service-Based Business Coach & Strategist

Faith Mentor