Self-love is one of my favorite topics to write about, but it’s occurred to me lately that I haven’t spent a great deal of time writing about one of the foundations of this important topic— self-awareness. Self-awareness is conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires, and it’s presence is essential for loving who you are.
You might be thinking, But I know who I am! Of course, we all know ourselves on some level, but self-awareness is something we should— and can!— always be contemplating. Because we’re always growing, changing, becoming, to truly know the self, we must constantly be curious about who we are.
One of the best ways I’ve found to gain a better understanding of the self is the practice of asking and answering questions. In 2017, I had a wonderful little calendar from Flow Magazine that featured a question a day, and it served as a daily reminder of the importance of questions. Contemplating these questions helped me to gain a better understanding of myself throughout the year. I’ve missed waking up to them this month, so Idecided to create my own little list — some of my favorites from the calendar and some that I thought of myself — to inspire self-awareness exploration this week.
Writing these and reflecting on them was such a great exercise for me, and I hope they inspire you to think about the world (and yourself!) a bit more deeply.
- How do you currently feel about yourself?
- Do you engage in activities to escape your reality?
- What do you think you could never, ever give up?
- Do you believe every thought you think?
- Who (or what) always makes you laugh?
- Was there a turning point in your life?
- How do you spend the majority of your time?
- Do you feel inspired by someone or something?
- Are you good at being in the present moment?
- What was the last thing you purchased?
- Do you often remember your dreams when you wake?
- What’s on your to-do list that never gets done?
- Would you move to another country?
- How would your best friend describe you?
- Do you consider your childhood a happy one?
- When did you last feel disappointed?
- Do you have any (or many) guilty pleasures?
- How do you feel when faced with change?
- What do you think happens when you die?
- Do you believe in giving second chances?
- What is your greatest strength?
- Do you always say what’s on your mind?
- How do you cope with stress?
- What would you tell your younger self?
- How often do you learn new things?
- Do you enjoy spending time with others?
- What is your favorite time of day?
- How often do you ask others for help?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- Are you good at establishing boundaries?
- What’s the best day you’ve had so far?
- Do you frequently make wishes?
- What would your ideal career consist of?
- Where is your favorite place to be?
- Do you say “yes” or “no” more often?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
- How open are you with others?
- What is currently worrying you?
- Do you enjoy spending time alone?
- Which sense do you use the most?
- How would you define the meaning of life?
- What questions are you asked often?
- When was the last time you made a change?
- Do you enjoy talking about yourself?
- What does the word “birthday” connote?
- Who do you call when you’re upset?
- How often do you procrastinate?
- Do you believe people can really change?
- What three words best describe you?
- When did you last see the sun rise?
- Do you think time heals all wounds?
- What is your relationship with technology?
- Are you good at letting things go?
- Do you prefer morning, afternoon, or night?
- What are you currently working on?
- Are you attracted to a specific type of person?
- Would you like to live in a different decade?
- What do you enjoy about adulthood?
- Do you think you have a big imagination?
- What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
- Could you live without the internet?
- Why do you get out of bed each day?
- When did you last make a new friend?
- Do you think your ego gets in the way?
- What’s the strangest thing you’ve experienced?
- How would you describe your personal style?
- What do you like/dislike about your gender?
- Do you have difficulty sleeping?
- What do you want to learn more about?
- Can you accept compliments easily?
- What can you do really, really well?
- Are you living your life for yourself?
- What would you like to be remembered for?
- Do you feel connected to your culture?
- What does the word “self-love” mean to you?
I’m always looking for more thought-provoking questions. Have you come across any good ones lately that I didn’t share in the list above? If so, leave them in the comments below!
