Fall in Love with Who You Are

Lily Naredo
Oct 22
4 min read

Updated: Oct 23

When Curiosity Meets Connection

How do you feel when you meet someone you genuinely like? You want to be around them. You’re curious. You ask thoughtful questions, take note of their preferences, and pay close attention to their words and actions so you can relate to them better. You get the point.

But have you ever had that same curiosity for yourself?

Have you asked: Who am I? Why am I here? What are these constant dialogues inside my head? What do I believe—and why? What makes me happy, sad, angry, jealous, or hurt?

These questions may seem endless. But how do you feel when you ask them? Silly? Imperative? I believe they matter—because we only have this one fleeting life to live. These questions aren’t just about finding answers. They’re about cultivating a genuine desire to examine your inner world, and the willingness to understand and accept it.

Self-Awareness Is Not a Waste of Time

Have you ever felt like the decades passed in a blur? Like you were half-awake the whole time? Maybe you were busy chasing “stuff,” and despite your accomplishments, you still feel empty. Or perhaps you regret letting time slip by without doing what truly matters to you.

Self-awareness is the antidote to that numbness. It’s being present. It’s living from the heart. It makes you receptive to your soul’s needs—and to the needs of others. You begin to respond to life with love, acceptance, and intention. Whatever you do, you do with all of your heart.

Self-Awareness Is Not Selfish

Some may think that investing time and energy in knowing yourself is counterintuitive to being selfless. But the truth is, self-awareness is a deeply selfless act.

Why? Because it makes you honest. You stop wearing masks. People get to see the real you. You no longer feel the need to pretend—and others can sense that. It creates a safe space for others to show up authentically too.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? . . . Your playing small does not serve the world. . . . We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. . . . And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” — Marianne Williamson

How Do You Become Self-Aware?

It’s not a rigid, step-by-step process. It’s a gentle unfolding. All you need is the willingness to experience life fully. Here are a few practices you can explore:

1. Observe Your Desires

Start with the ones that are recurring or strongest. Simply take note—without judgment or action. Ask yourself:

Why do I have this desire?
How would it feel if it were fulfilled?
What would it mean if it weren’t?
Can I imagine letting it go?
What’s the emotion behind it—fear, lack, jealousy, longing?

This kind of inquiry reveals the deeper layers of your motivations.

2. Receive Feedback with Openness

Pay attention to compliments, criticisms, and casual observations from others. Notice how you feel when you hear them. Do you resonate? Do you resist?

You can also ask someone you trust how they perceive you. My husband, after 24 years together, once said, “You have no idea of the effect you have on other people. You’re very easy to talk to and get along with.” I took that as a beautiful compliment.

He also pointed out that I have many ideas and unfinished projects—which is true! I love learning and trying new things. But his observations remind me to stay focused and follow through on my goals.

3. Listen to Your Body

This has been a powerful teacher in my career journey. I used to compare myself to others who were thriving in their chosen paths, while I felt mediocre—lacking a career I could be proud of.

But then I realized: every job I had, even the dead-end ones, led me to where I’m meant to be. I gave my best, learned what I could, and when it was time to move on, my body would signal it. Tasks that once felt easy became draining. The hours dragged. I wasn’t lazy—I was misaligned.

Still, I’d resist. I’d try to love the job again. But doubts crept in: I need a stable salary. How do I start over? What’s next?

Life has a funny way of nudging us forward. I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that listening to your body is essential. It knows when it’s time to shift.

4. Spend Time Alone

Solitude is sacred. You can walk, immerse yourself in nature, meditate, or journal. These practices cultivate mindfulness and deepen self-awareness.

I cherish my quiet mornings. I tidy up the night before, so I’m not distracted by clutter. I take my time to greet the day—feeling my breath, my body, and the stillness around me.

Journaling is another energy practice I love. I write about my vivid dreams, capture ideas from books, and jot down random thoughts and inspirations. I also use journal prompts to guide my reflections. Whichever way you choose, journaling helps reduce anxiety and brings clarity to your inner world.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re curious about journaling, I’ve created a free digital resource: the 30-Day Self-Awareness Journal. It includes guided prompts across four categories—Body, Mind, Relationships, and Soul—plus daily affirmations to support your journey.