The first step to gaining awareness of how we are showing up and creating our reality is to question why emotional responses are triggered by certain situations we face.
As you ponder that, you can reflect on whether it serves you to have those emotions involved in any given situation… the answer is usually no.
For example, if someone cuts you off and that instigates a state of anger as a response…
Awareness starts with a simple question: why do certain situations trigger emotional reactions in us? Once we pause and reflect, we often realize that holding onto these emotions rarely serves us.
Take a common example: someone cuts you off in traffic and you feel a surge of anger. Ask yourself:
•Does getting angry actually help?
•Will it change the situation or make it better?
•Who does this anger affect — just me, or those around me?
•How might it impact my interactions for the rest of the day?
Noticing these responses and the patterns they create is the foundation of mental awareness. It’s how we begin to shift the way we relate to ourselves and the world. By observing our reactions, we gain the power to choose differently, reducing stress and taking back control of our emotional landscape.
“You cannot control the results, only your actions.” – Allan Lokos
True growth happens when we actively identify what isn’t serving us and take steps to remove, adapt, or change those habits. The more we notice our repetitive thought patterns and emotional reactions, the more we can intentionally redirect them into positive, productive actions.
“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
One practical tool is to focus on your breath. When you feel triggered, pause, breathe, and consciously shift your thoughts toward what uplifts you. Having a clear sense of what you want from life acts as an anchor, guiding your mind back whenever it drifts into negativity. Anchors can be affirmations, visualizations, or intentions — whatever helps you stay aligned with your highest self.
Developing awareness isn’t about perfection; it’s about noticing, pausing, and choosing a response that elevates your life rather than keeps you stuck. Start small, and over time, these conscious choices will transform the way you experience yourself and the world around you.