The Superpower Nobody Teaches You

I've spent years trying to understand what people actually mean when they talk about awareness. It sounded like one of those mysterious words that Shamans and Eckhart Tolle throw around while drinking tea and staring peacefully into the distance. I kept thinking, "Okay... but what does it actually mean?" After reading, listening, researching, listening to Rhonda Byrne's The Greatest Secret about a hundred times (maybe 80), I think I've finally landed on my own version.

Here's how I see it. Instead of living inside every thought, every emotion, every worry and every "what if," imagine you're watching yourself like you're controlling an avatar in a video game – zoom out and try to watch yourself. You're still living your life. You're still having feelings. But you're also observing yourself from just a little farther back. "Oh... look at Kim. She's getting annoyed because someone sent another email marked URGENT." "Oh... there she goes convincing herself the worst-case scenario is happening because one thing didn't go according to plan." It's actually kind of funny when you watch yourself instead of “being” yourself.

Life doesn't suddenly become easier because you're aware. Trust me. Sometimes it feels like life is playing a game of "How many challenges can we give her?" Health concerns. Money worries. Business headaches. Family stuff. Relationships. Then sprinkle in a little menopause, an unexpected bill, and someone who replies to your carefully crafted text with just "K." Awareness doesn't remove those moments. It changes how long you live in them. When you zoom out, you remember that you are not your fear. You're not your anger. You're not your sadness. You're the one noticing those feelings. Feelings are visitors. Let them knock, come in, have a coffee, and then kindly leave before they decide to redecorate your house.

This week, try becoming the observer of your own life. When something triggers you, pause for ten seconds and simply notice. Watch yourself. Smile if you can. Ask yourself, "What would the highest version of me do next?" Take a deep breath. Go outside. Move your body. Pet your dog. Laugh at yourself. Remember that this beautiful, messy, unpredictable life is still a gift. Every single day is another opportunity to move your avatar with a little more courage, a little more gratitude, and a lot more joy. The more aware we become, the less we get trapped by the stories in our heads—and the freer we become to actually live.

- Kim