Why is self-awareness so important in this Hot Button Mastery series?
When we are not aware of our ineffective reactions, we are actually in denial of their impact on others as well as our self. Problems can accumulate and get out of control.
It is important to recognize as soon as possible:
- Our reactive type (over-reactor/boiled-milk-type or under-reactor/curdled-milk-type).
- The undesirable consequences generated by our ineffective reactions that exist in either case.
Being in touch with these undesirable consequences – or costs– is part of self-awareness and ultimately self-transformation. Ideally, it is also a concrete tool to help us not repeat old patterns
However, in the process of becoming more self-aware and identifying the costs, you can argue that you were happier when you were in denial. It might be true in the short term, but not in the long-long-long term. So stay tuned and awake. Your efforts will be rewarded later, I promise!
Meanwhile, here are images that I found helpful to remind me of the accumulated costs of being in denial. What are yours? I’d love to hear what you came up with!
Quiz: Find your favorite supportive image:
When I’m in denial about my trigger-points, the accumulation of my ineffective reactions creates:
- A big bump of dirt under the rug that makes me trip.
- A giant bag of dirty laundry that hampers all my movements.
- A congglomeration of plastic bags and trash in the ocean that prevent me from enjoying a swim.
- So many piles of dog’s poop on the trail that I have to zigzag around them ruining my favorite hike.
- What’s yours?
You express these difficult issues so eloquently. So funny! So true! And so sad, if we don’t address them. I can’t decide if I like the bump under the rug or the dog poop on the trial the best. Both produced a good belly-laugh.
Thanks so much Candice!