You can go into any big book store in the country and you will find a "Self Help" section, which will include hundreds of books about the way you can turn your life around, from beating depression to loosing weight. Many of these books might include a self awareness reference, but what does it really mean.

Self awareness is a knowing of yourself, which might seem obvious to some, but how well do we really know ourselves, and more to the point how well are we aware of the thoughts that are going through our minds on a daily basis.

Many of us spend our lives rushing to work, getting errands done, taking the kids to school, housework, meeting dead lines the list is endless, while all this is happening our internal dialog (talking to ourselves) is constantly on the go. How much of this do we acknowledge? Do we listen to what we are saying to ourselves, and how that might affect our behaviour?

Our beliefs stem from the things we know to be our truth, our beliefs about ourselves decide how we may act and what we feel we can and cannot do. Other people can implant ideas that can become true for us.

Ie. When applying for a new job (someone might suggest, you will never get that job as there are 20 people applying for it). Thus a feeling of failure may become your truth and stop you applying for the job. Growing up we are constantly told by parents, teachers, ministers what we should or shouldn't do. These are not our own thoughts but have been implanted there by others, and become a way of being. In adult life we may not even question what has been implanted in our minds, this becomes our truth.

We often live in a conditioning way of being, doing things the way we have always done them, to change that thought can often be frightening, the what IF'S come into play. Making changes in your life can have no guarantees, so for some, it's easier to play it safe and stick with the same job, the same partner, the same way of being, without realising that we do have choices and our thoughts and actions are up to us.

How many times have I heard it's not my fault or I couldn't help it, but what if you could help it, change it make it better. Just because we have always thought that way doesn't mean it always has to be this way.

To change your mind may be the most challenging thing you ever do. Once you have made up your mind to go along another route, your conscious mind will come up with reasons why this is a bad idea. Because of the comfort zone you may have been in for many years, the battle will be with yourself.

Being aware of what you are thinking, and why you are thinking it, can be the key that unlocks the door.

Beverley Sandler
4TherapyUK

For more information about:

Counselling Manchester or  Hypnotherapy in Manchester, Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Person Centred Counselling and or Holistic therapy.