The one habit that’s harder than it sounds (but so worth it)

Last week, I hosted my first health and wellness workshop for a group of local women — and let me tell you, it left me thinking about so much.

We talked about what it really takes to create sustainable change — not just another short-lived attempt at being “healthy,” but real lifestyle shifts that work for you, not against you. Some components I shared that really help make change stick were: having a clear goal (your what), motivation (your why), support systems, and the importance of starting small.

But something else kept coming up in our conversations — something we all agreed is both crucial and incredibly hard to do:
Self-awareness.

We hear about it all the time — “be mindful,” “tune in,” “listen to your body.” But when life gets busy, it’s easy to go on autopilot. No matter how much inner work we’ve done, self-awareness is still something we all have to keep practicing. I do too. Sometimes I catch a thought or feeling and think, Oh, that’s what’s going on. But other times? I’m reacting in the same old way and only realize it later (if at all).

What struck me during the workshop was this:
We want to change — but sometimes we don’t even know what’s really going on underneath.
That’s where self-awareness comes in.

So where do you start?

Here are a few simple ways to begin building more self-awareness — no need to overcomplicate it:

✨ Name what you feel.
Instead of pushing through or brushing something off, pause and ask: What am I feeling right now?
Tired? Resentful? Overwhelmed? Just naming it brings more clarity.

🌀 Notice patterns.
Is this a familiar situation or emotional loop? Do certain times of day, people, or habits set off the same reactions?
Recognizing patterns can reveal what needs your attention.

💛 Drop the judgment.
Self-awareness isn’t about self-criticism. It’s about self-understanding. Try saying, “That’s interesting” instead of “Why do I always do this?”

If it feels right, carve out just two minutes a day to sit quietly — no phone, no multitasking. Just you, your breath, and a moment to notice what’s happening inside. You don’t have to “get it right.” You just have to be willing to notice.

I’m still processing all the insights and questions from the workshop, and I’ll be sharing more reflections soon. But this one insight really stuck with me—and I couldn’t wait any longer to pass it on to you.

So if you're working toward a goal — whether it’s feeling stronger, eating differently, managing stress, or simply finding more energy — start by turning inward.

You already have the wisdom. You just need a little space to hear it.

I’m right here with you 💛
Khalida

💛 If this message resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you passed it along to another woman who might need it today. We’re all in this together — and sometimes, one small message can make a big difference.

With love, Khalida