Claiming Voice Through Self-Awareness

Over the past few months, my son has been complaining about being bored at school but more recently his inner light really began to dull.  I reached out to his teachers who offered two things: first, they gave him "break cards" which he can use 3 times a day.  This means that he can put the card on his desk whenever he feels like it and take a walk around the school.  Second, they asked him to fill out a sheet 3 times a day where he checks in with himself and writes down a fuller picture of what he's experiencing when he's feeling "bored".  They want to understand what bored means to him, and they are asking my son to take an active part in problem solving with them. 

Last night he told my husband and I that he only did this sheet once, and he doesn't believe it will be helpful.  We told him that we fully support this plan and why.  The reason is this: we can't change something we don't like unless we understand ourselves more clearly in that situation.  Whatever the challenge, having more awareness of ourselves in the challenge, is the most important first step.  Self-awareness continues to be of utmost importance as we go through the process of change.

Being able to see more possibility comes from knowing ourselves better.  We can ask ourselves:

In this situation, what are my triggers?  What are my vulnerabilities? What are my strengths?

Once we know what hooks us, we can foster softness and compassion, rather than rigidity.  We can both honor ourselves for where we are while figuring out how to change patterns that aren't working for us.

Blessings to you on this journey of self-discovery as a means of learning how to be more satisfied!

xo,
Jen