Episode 20 - Breaking Generational Patterns: The Impact of Self-Awareness
In a world that often moves at a relentless pace, taking the time to understand oneself can feel like a luxury. Yet, as Alisha Woodall, a Licensed Professional Therapist, emphasizes in this episode, self-awareness is not just a luxury—it's a necessity for personal growth and healthy relationships. In this informative discussion, Woodall delves into the transformative power of self-awareness, highlighting the importance of curiosity, self-care, and journaling as tools for exploration and growth.
Curiosity: The Gateway to Self-Discovery
At the heart of self-awareness lies curiosity—the willingness to ask questions, explore thoughts, and delve into emotions. Woodall stresses the significance of getting curious about oneself, advocating for a mindset of exploration and introspection. Through curiosity, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering hidden motivations, desires, and patterns that shape their lives.
Self-Care and Relationships
Self-awareness is not just about understanding oneself; it's also about nurturing oneself. Woodall emphasizes the importance of self-care as a foundational element of personal growth. By prioritizing self-care practices such as journaling, meditation, or simply taking moments of quiet reflection, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and better navigate the complexities of relationships.
Intentionality in Dating and Relationships
In the realm of dating and relationships, self-awareness plays a crucial role in setting intentions and boundaries. Woodall underscores the importance of approaching relationships with clarity and intentionality, urging individuals to reflect on their needs, values, and desires. By understanding what they seek in a partner and being honest about their expectations, individuals can foster more meaningful connections built on mutual understanding and respect.
Journaling: A Path to Self-Discovery
One of the most powerful tools for self-awareness, according to Woodall, is journaling. She describes journaling as a form of data collection—an opportunity to document thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a means of understanding oneself better. By regularly journaling and reflecting on past entries, individuals can gain valuable insights into their thought patterns, behaviors, and areas for growth.
The Three Steps to Self-Awareness: Exploration, Identification, and Execution
Woodall outlines a simple yet profound framework for cultivating self-awareness, comprising three essential steps: Exploration, Identification, and Execution.
Exploration: This phase involves getting curious about oneself, asking questions, and delving into thoughts and emotions. Through practices like journaling and introspection, individuals can begin to uncover hidden aspects of themselves and gain clarity about their values and desires.
Identification: In this phase, individuals identify patterns, triggers, and areas for growth. By recognizing recurring thoughts and behaviors, they can pinpoint areas where they may want to make changes or set boundaries.
Execution: The final phase involves taking action based on newfound awareness. Whether it's changing thought patterns, setting boundaries in relationships, or practicing self-care, individuals can begin to implement positive changes that align with their values and well-being.
In conclusion, self-awareness is not a destination but a journey—an ongoing process of exploration, reflection, and growth. By embracing curiosity, practicing self-care, and utilizing tools like journaling, individuals can embark on a path of self-discovery that leads to greater fulfillment, healthier relationships, and a deeper understanding of oneself. As Alisha Woodall reminds us, the key to personal growth lies in getting curious, being intentional, and embracing the journey with an open heart and mind.
In this episode, we cover:
[00:03:58] Self-awareness in relationships.
[00:12:19] Uncovering underlying issues.
[00:23:48] Understanding self in relationships.
[00:26:24] Navigating personal change in relationships.
[00:32:03] Changing the self narrative.
[00:37:15] Journaling as Data Collection.
[00:41:07] Generational influences.
Quotes:
"I had that moment and now I practice self-care. I live self-care. I promote self-care." - Alisha Woodall
"Be this, do this, show up as this, and it may not align with who they are." - LaShonda Walker
"You know, it's this thing, and it seems so simple, self-curiosity, right? We're curious about everything else." - Alisha Woodall
"We are not, we don't get curious about ourselves. And oftentimes we don't even bring curiosity or questioning and asking why into the equation until crisis hits." - LaShonda Walker
"Operating versus on autopilot. Oh, I know that. I know autopilot." - LaShonda Walker
"It's a nice mixture. It's hard to say, you know, from a scientific perspective, you know, 20% versus, you know, 80%. But it's a combination of variables. Obviously, childhood rearing experiences, right," - Alisha Woodall
"Owning what's yours, identifying what's yours, and what's contributed to who you are, and then letting go of the rest." - Alisha Woodall
"When they [men] do explore, they eat it up." - Alisha Woodall
“What have I discovered? What have I decided to do differently? What am I doing? And why is this important to me?" - Alisha Woodall
"You think something's wrong with you, but you just don't know how you best operate." - Alisha Woodall
"It didn't require anyone to be rude and say, how dare you give me red candy. It was, Hey, we've learned this. We're not doing that anymore." - Alisha Woodall
"I tell people all the time, your story, reading your own story is probably one of the greatest stories you'll ever read." - LaShonda Walker
Guest Information
Website: https://findingthefoundation.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingthefoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Findingthefoundation/