A guide to self-awareness (a thread):

1. Your past experiences shape your perception of the present moment. Ask yourself, “Am I seeing this situation for what it is, or am I viewing it through the lens of insecurity?”

2. Other people’s pasts are shaping their perception of you. If what they’re projecting onto you doesn’t resonate, don’t internalize it. Their issues aren’t always about you.

3. Sometimes it is about you. Ask yourself, “Have other people had similar issues with me? What could they be noticing in me that I can’t see?”

4. Remember we all have emotional blindspots, or harmful behaviors that unintentionally hurt the people around us. Being open to unflattering feedback helps us see what’s outside of our purview.

5. When you’ve been told you’ve hurt somebody, believe them. Whether it was intentional on your end or not.

6. Judge your emotions less, reflect on them more. Your triggers, shame, anxieties, are all rooted in fear, not reality. Understanding where they stem from allows us to observe our emotions rather than getting absorbed by them.

7. When was the last time you enjoyed your own company (without social media)? Pay attention to what brings you joy that isn’t dependent on others.

8. Avoid the temptation to make choices that are familiar but no longer serve you. Always ask yourself, “Is this really what I want, or is it just what I know?”

8. Self-awareness is a life long journey. Continue getting to know yourself better. Not just who you are today, but the person you are becoming.