Now, that’s got me thinking…
Awareness: The Mirror That Changes Everything
Lately, I’ve been sitting with the word awareness. Not in the abstract, “spiritual” sense — but in the messy, everyday way it shows up when I catch myself reacting to a situation or another person.
Sometimes I notice the tightening in my chest when someone challenges me. Or the way my mind immediately starts building a defense when I think I’ve been misunderstood. In those moments, awareness feels like holding up a mirror: uncomfortable, but also freeing. Because once I see it, I can choose differently.
That’s where The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz has become such a compass for me. Each one calls me back to myself, helping me shift from unconscious reaction to conscious choice.
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Awareness has shown me how often the words I speak are more about my own fear or frustration than about truth. When I pause and choose words with integrity — to speak love instead of blame — I step out of reaction and into responsibility.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
This one is huge. When someone snaps, ignores, or criticizes, my old pattern was to spiral: What’s wrong with me? Awareness interrupts that story. It reminds me: their behavior is about their own world, not mine. I don’t have to carry it.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Awareness asks me to notice the stories I’m making up in my head — “She must be upset with me,” “He doesn’t respect my time.” Instead of reacting to those assumptions, I can choose to ask, clarify, or let go.
4. Always Do Your Best
And maybe most importantly, awareness softens the edges of perfectionism. My best will look different on a day full of energy versus a day when I’m running on empty. Awareness lets me honor that without shame.
The truth is, I don’t always get it right. I still react. I still take things personally. But the gift of awareness is that it creates a gap — a moment where I get to see myself clearly and decide how I want to show up.
Every time I practice this, I feel myself returning to what Ruiz calls “a new dream” — one where peace, self-respect, and compassion guide my choices.
Because when I change how I react, I change the story I’m living. And that’s powerful.
✨ Question for you: Where in your life could a little more awareness shift how you respond — to others, or even to yourself?