There was a time when I didn't fully recognize how my energy affected those around me, especially my daughters. I would push through exhaustion, dismiss my frustration as just part of the day, and brush aside any signs that I needed to reset. Deepening my self-awareness changed everything,
I am trained as a mindfulness educator, and mindfulness practices are one way to build self-awareness. Many of us know that we are self-aware, and as I finished my training, I was proud to say that I was more aware. However, there is no destination when it comes to building self-awareness. It is an ongoing journey. Once I felt comfortable meditating and integrating mindfulness practices into my daily life, I expected to have complete control over my reactions. Yet, I still found myself responding in ways that didn't align with how I wanted to show up. How could that be? I am a wellbeing professional! The more I leaned into self-awareness, the clearer the patterns became. I started paying attention to my reactions, my tone, my energy, and my ability to stay present. Interacting with my daughters became my way to measure my awareness. I asked myself tough questions: Am I truly listening? Am I responding with patience and understanding? Or am I letting my own depletion spill over into our interaction? When I was centered, my daughters felt it. They opened up more, sought connection, and our home felt lighter. When I was drained, my responses were shorter, my patience thinner, and I could sense their reactions shifting in response. That realization pushed me to take action. I made a commitment to communicate with them when I wasn't feeling like myself. Instead of letting a bad day create unnecessary tension, I would say, "I'm feeling off today. It is not about you, I just need a little time to recharge." Those words, simple as they are, created a bridge of understanding. Now, my daughters have become my energy meter. They reflect back to me how I am showing up, and I have learned to use that reflection as a guide. When I see that I am more reactive than responsive, I know it is time to reset, whether that means stepping away for a quiet moment, taking deep breaths, or intentionally carving out time to rest. This shift hasn't just helped me, it has strengthened our relationship. My daughters see that self-awareness isn't about perfection; it is about honesty, growth, and taking care of yourself so you can be fully present for the people you love. Recognizing when I need to recharge has made me a better parent, a more mindful communicator, and a more compassionate version of myself. And for that, I am endlessly grateful. How do you recognize when it is time to recharge? Share in the comments.
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Ever have one of those days? You know, where everything seems find until you are stuck in traffic, someone says something that hits a nerve, and suddenly your mood is on a downhill slide faster than you can say "deep breath"? We have all been there. Energy is a sneaky thing. It isn't just about how much sleep you get or whether you have hit your caffeine quota. It is about how you show up, moment to moment. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we end up running on auto-pilot. ![]() When Energy Runs the Show Picture this: you are cruising through your day, and then - BAM - a tiny inconvenience throws you off track. You find yourself snapping at someone, or stewing over a conversation that didn't go the way you wanted. Here's the kicker - moments like these aren't just "bad days." They are clues. Clues that your energy might need a check-in. Ask yourself:
Pause. Breathe. Reset.
Let me let you in on a secret. It is not about being perfect. (Spoiler: no one is.) It is about noticing when something feels off and giving yourself permission to pause. That pause? It is like a tiny, magical reset button. It helps you tune in, step back, and choose your next move with intention. The more you practice it, the more it becomes your superpower, helping you handle life's curveballs with grace instead of grumpiness. Curious About What's Next? If any of this is hitting home, you are not alone. Figuring out how to balance your energy while staying mindful of how it impacts others is a universal struggle. Here is the good news: it is also a skill you can build. I have been working on something you are going to love, something designed to help you notice your patterns, adjust your mindset, and show up as your best self (without the guilt or overthinking). For now, here's a challenge: Take a moment today to pause and check in with your energy. What is one thing you can shift, just a little, that might make your day feel a bit brighter? I can't wait to share more soon. In the meantime, I would love to hear your thoughts. What is one way you hit pause and reset when life gets messy? Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: kristin-pittman.kit.com Have you ever stopped to think about what your greatest asset is? (Hint: It's not your to-do list, your professional title, or even your favorite cozy blanket.) It is you!
Let's be honest, life gets busy, and taking care of ourselves often falls to the bottom of the list. That is where self-awareness steps in. It is the foundation for recognizing what we need to feel balanced, energized, and ready to tackle life with grace (or at least minimal groaning). Why Self-Awareness Matters Self-awareness isn't about being perfect or overly self-critical. It is about pausing to check in with yourself - your feelings, energy, and reactions - and then asking, What do I need right now? When we are more attuned to ourselves, we are better equipped to handle challenges and show up in a way that is kind and intentional. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Self-awareness is a practice, not a destination. It is about progress, not perfection. The more you pause, reflect, and take small steps toward nurturing yourself, the more you will notice the positive ripple effects in every area of your life. What is one small step you will take today to invest in your greatest asset? Let's start a conversation! Share your self-awareness tip or how you are investing in yourself in the comments. Are you interested in developing a self-awareness routine and don't know where to begin? Contact me for details about my one-on-one session. Thank you for stopping by! |
Kristin Pittman"Quit hanging on to the handrails...Let go. Surrender. Go for the ride of your life. Do it every day." Archives
February 2025
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