In my career as a Psychiatric nurse and coach, I hear the
frustration in my clients voices as they sadly admit they don’t know
themselves. These feelings have become a
reality for many because life has become a vicious cycle of running from one
task to the next contributing to the lack of self-awareness. Recognizing my
clients had a need for greater self-awareness has compelled me to create this
five part series that will allow me to partner with them as we travel the path
of self-discovery.
The potential dangers in lacking self-awareness are a life
without passion and no personal identity. Without embracing our identify we are
unable to carry out our purpose and resentment builds because life becomes
meaningless.
Where doses self-awareness begin? In learning to be more
self-aware one can take the same approach as they would get to know anyone
else. Building healthy relationships
require spending quality time together and taking an interest in the other person.
Cultivate self-awareness requires
spending time in reflection and asking the appropriate questions. Tony Robbins
says “ In order to get better answers, you must ask better questions”,
this is a critical element of
self-discovery.
The journey to self-discovery contains four essential mile markers:
1.
What is my passion?
2.
What are my values?
3.
What are my strengths?
4.
What are my attitudes and beliefs?
Without gaining clarity in each of these four areas I equate
it to driving in a storm. Remember life is a journey. You have just jumped into your snappy red VW
bug, hurricane Isaac is approaching the sky is pitch black. If you try to drive in this storm you will
most likely either wreck or have to pull over until the storm passes and you gain
clarity. Pulling over or wrecking both poses possible delays and danger. Now
image what is like to drive when the sky is a beautiful clear blue, the risk of
danger and delay are greatly reduced. When we take the time to clarify our
passion, values, strengths, attitudes and beliefs it makes the journey much
clearer and we are able to move forward with decreased obstacles and strife.
I challenge you to stay committed becoming more self-aware
as I lead you through the four mile markers of self-awareness. Stay tuned!
Your Dream Coach,
LT .Valerie R. Vestal, MSN, RN
