Practicing Self-Awareness with Courage and Kindness

If My Inner Knowing had a one-line bumper sticker, it might be: “Self-awareness is how we steer.” It’s the skill that lets us pause, orient to what’s true in the moment, and choose how we want to show up, with ourselves, with our people, and with the world. This month, let’s practice the kind of awareness that is brave, kind, and wildly practical.

1) Hear the quiet things: shame whispers

On the show, we’ve talked about how shame doesn’t always shout; often it…whispers. Those barely-there thoughts of not enough stack up throughout the day and bend our choices without us noticing. When we catch even one whisper, we get a little freedom back. Start by asking: “Is this voice mine, or an old echo?” Then respond with accuracy and kindness. Precision beats punishment. 

Try this: Label it out loud next time your inner critic starts talking: “Whisper of shame.” Then add one accurate sentence: “I’m learning.” Two honest deep breaths. Proceed.

2) Curiosity as a self-awareness superpower

Curiosity is a superpower in self-awareness because it loosens certainty and makes space for new data. We even joked on air about “curiosity killed the cat”…and learned that satisfaction can bring us back. Curiosity at the doctor’s office, at work, or in conflict is how we stop guessing and start listening (to our bodies and each other). A pro tip we highly recommend is to notice where a feeling lives in your body before you decide what it means. 

Try this: Ask yourself once a day: “What else could be true here?” Don’t force an answer. Let your nervous system show you.

3) Acceptance isn’t giving up, it’s getting honest

Our mantra “It is what it is” isn’t resignation; it’s a reset. Acceptance names what is so we can respond from the center instead of the chaos. From there, we can still set boundaries, make requests, or change course, but we’re not fighting reality and the situation at the same time. 

Try this: When you feel stuck, say: “It is what it is…and I’m free to choose my next step.”

4) Practice worthiness like a muscle

Worthiness isn’t a finish line; it’s a practice that strengthens in different “domains” (work, parenting, intimacy, money). We’ve shared how helpful it is to build tiny, repeatable reps: moments that confirm “I am allowed to be here as I am.” The more you practice, the quicker you recover when old patterns tug at your sleeve. 

Try this: Collect a “Worthiness Wins” list in your phone. One line a day. Read it when the whispers get loud.

5) Kind boundaries beat clever comebacks

In our episode on teasing, we explored how “roasting back” can feel powerful but usually hooks us deeper into dynamics we don’t want. Self-awareness helps you notice why a joke lands like a jab, and to protect what matters without wearing a mask that isn’t you. 

Try this: Before you respond, ask: “What am I protecting right now, my image or my values?” Choose what honors your values.

6) From fighting to choosing

My story of “I will fight no more forever” is a real pivot many of us face: moving from reactive to relational power. Self-awareness is that bridge, catching the surge, breathing, and engaging differently so your energy fuels change instead of collateral damage. You can see me practice this on the podcast and my Try Being reels.

Try this: When your system spikes, step away for two minutes and move your body (shoulder rolls, a wall push, a brisk hallway walk, a scream in the car). Come back when you can see that there are more choices you can make.

Journal Sparks for September

• What’s one whisper I’m ready to hear without obeying? 
• Where do I feel this emotion in my body, and what does that sensation want me to know? 
• What does acceptance make possible in this situation? 
• Where did I practice worthiness today (even if it’s just 1%)? 

Podcast Episodes to Deepen Self-Awareness 

If you want company while you practice, these episodes pair beautifully with this month’s theme:

• Shame Whispers (spotting subtle self-talk) 
• Curiosity Killed the Cat (…and brought us back) (curiosity > certainty) 
• It Is What It Is (acceptance with agency) 
• Worthiness (building reps for enough-ness) 
• Teasing in Relationships (boundaries with heart) 

A note from both of us

Self-awareness isn’t about becoming a different person; it’s about befriending the one you are, with clearer sight and kinder choices. We’ll keep practicing with you all month, and in October, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. David Bedrick to the podcast to explore “unshaming” in real life.

 

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