Feel The Wave

Where you begin your personal growth journey.

Category: Self-awareness

  • Get to Know Yourself Through Introspection

    Get to Know Yourself Through Introspection

    We live in a world filled with constant noise. From the moment we wake up until we go to bed, something is demanding our attention. Social media, emails, television and endless notifications leave very little room for one simple but essential activity—thinking. We may feel productive because we’re always doing something, but in reality, we’re often just running in place.

    Social media has taken much of our free time hostage. Our minds are constantly being bombarded with information, leaving little opportunity to process our own thoughts. Our brains aren’t designed for a constant stream of input, especially from the artificial light and endless stimulation produced by smartphones, televisions and computer screens. Over time, this can leave us feeling mentally exhausted and disconnected from ourselves.

    Taking time to think—not just about life, but about yourself—is one of the best ways to discover who you truly are. It helps you understand what you enjoy, what gives you energy and what matters most to you. Many people go years without ever taking the time to get to know themselves. Instead, they allow family, friends and even strangers online to influence who they should be. Eventually, they look in the mirror and struggle to recognize the person staring back at them.

    This is where introspection becomes so valuable. Introspection is the process of examining your own thoughts, emotions and experiences with honesty and curiosity. It allows you to step back from the noise of everyday life and better understand what’s happening within you.

    One of the simplest ways to practice introspection is by writing. Writing slows your thinking down. Thoughts that feel scattered in your mind often become much clearer once they’re written on paper. Set aside just two to five minutes each morning and write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense at first. Read it back, reflect on it and continue writing. As you practice, you’ll notice your thoughts becoming clearer and your ability to express them improving. Like any skill, learning to put your thoughts into words takes time and repetition. Taking time to write your thoughts not only improves self-awareness but can also strengthen your memory over time.

    As you become more intentional with introspection, you naturally develop greater self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to understand yourself and recognize your thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The better you know yourself, the more confident you’ll become in your decisions. Rather than reacting to life, you’ll begin responding with purpose and intention. This sense of clarity often leads to greater peace of mind and improved mental well-being.

    Knowing what you want also makes it easier to recognize what you don’t want. You begin making choices that align with your values instead of simply following expectations or outside influences. People who understand themselves tend to feel more content because their decisions reflect who they truly are rather than who others expect them to be.

    You can’t truly know yourself without asking meaningful questions and taking the time to reflect on the answers. Through introspection and writing, you gain a deeper understanding of what you love, what challenges you and what kind of life you want to build. That understanding becomes the foundation for making decisions that align with your values and bring greater fulfillment.

    Take a few minutes each day to slow down, reflect and write. The better you know yourself, the more intentionally you’ll live.

    Take care.

  • 7 Reflection Statements to Consider 

    7 Reflection Statements to Consider 

    Life can become hectic and feel out of control when we don’t take time to pause and reflect. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes of honest self-reflection to regain perspective and remind ourselves of what truly matters.

    The reflection statements below are meant to do just that.

    Step Away and Work on Yourself

    Work quietly and don’t tell everyone what you’re working on. Avoid bragging or sharing every detail of your plans. Grow in silence, build yourself up, and reveal your progress when you’re ready. People can’t discourage what they don’t know, and by the time they see your progress, you’ll be much stronger than when you started.

    Find the Light

    At some point, everyone experiences difficult seasons. They may last a week, a month, or even a year. We all process hardship differently because our experiences are unique.

    Whatever you’re going through, remember that there is always light within you. Even when life feels dark, the goodness inside you still shines, often brighter than you realize.

    Change Is Possible

    If you truly commit yourself, your life can look completely different in a year.

    It won’t be easy. Sacrifices will be required, and progress may feel slow at times. But the effort is worth it. Set a goal, create a plan, and begin taking consistent action.

    Choose Your Friends Wisely

    Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Good friends encourage your growth, celebrate your successes, and support you during difficult times.

    If the people around you don’t do that, it may be time to find new ones.

    Your Happiness

    Every once in a while, ask yourself whether you’re truly happy.

    Answer honestly.

    If the answer is no, ask yourself what’s missing. Once you’ve identified it, begin working toward creating the life you truly want.

    Start Fresh

    Sometimes life becomes so overwhelming that a complete change is necessary.

    You may need to pivot. You may need to take a leap of faith and leave behind everything you’ve known.

    It will likely be uncomfortable and even frightening, but sometimes starting over is exactly what allows you to move forward.

    Use Your Time Wisely

    Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in a day, the rich and the poor, the young and the old.

    Time cannot be bought, so use it wisely. Spend it on the people, habits, and goals that matter most.

    There you have it, seven reflection points you can use to evaluate your current situation.

    Consider reflecting on one each week or whenever you feel yourself drifting away from what’s important. Reflection creates clarity, and clarity leads to better decisions, a more meaningful life, and a stronger version of yourself.

    Take care. 

  • Enhancing Your Memory: Simple Habits for a Stronger Brain 

    Enhancing Your Memory: Simple Habits for a Stronger Brain 

    Regardless of your brain type, everyone can benefit from optimizing their brain and strengthening their memory. Although technological advancements have improved our lives in countless ways, we often rely on technology instead of our own memory, leaving our minds less challenged than they once were.

    For example, how many phone numbers do you have memorized right now? With smartphones, we no longer need to remember directions, phone numbers, or many other pieces of information. While this convenience has made life easier, it has also reduced the number of opportunities we have to exercise our memory.

    Memorizing information plays an important role in maintaining long-term brain health. Engaging in new and mentally stimulating experiences helps strengthen both memory and overall cognitive function. Some of the most effective ways to do this include learning a musical instrument or studying a new language.

    As we age, keeping our minds active becomes even more important. Research suggests that approximately1 in 4 seniors age 85+ have been diagnosed with dementia. While there are many factors beyond our control, challenging our brains throughout life is one way we can support long-term cognitive health and potentially delay some of the mental effects of aging.

    Strengthening Your Memory

    There are countless videos and articles online explaining how to improve your memory. They are useful, of course, but most of us simply want to remember what to do next or recall what someone said last week.

    Often, we don’t forget because our brains are incapable of remembering. We forget because we’re overloaded with information and surrounded by constant distractions. The world we live in today competes for our attention every minute of the day.

    We carry a personal computer in our pockets that keeps us entertained, reminds us of appointments, stores our contacts, and tells us where to go. Technology is an incredible tool, but like anything beneficial, it should be used in moderation.

    When we become dependent on something, there are consequences. Independence isn’t something you’re given; it’s something you develop. Memory isn’t something you simply possess; it’s a skill that requires regular exercise. The less you use it, the weaker it becomes. Developing habits that challenge your memory instead of immediately relying on technology helps keep your brain active.

    There was a time when most of us knew several phone numbers by heart. We may have had a phone book nearby, but we still remembered the important numbers. Start by memorizing the phone number of a parent, friend, or colleague. Begin with one number and gradually add more as your confidence grows.

    Another simple exercise is to avoid using GPS when traveling somewhere familiar. Navigating without assistance encourages your brain to strengthen the neural pathways involved in spatial memory. If you know where you’re going, challenge yourself to get there without digital directions.

    You can also memorize frequently used access codes instead of checking them each time. Even a six-digit code becomes surprisingly easy to remember with repetition. These are small habits that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.

    Don’t let your memory fade from lack of use. Technology is helpful, but your brain is your greatest tool. The more you challenge your memory, the stronger it becomes. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

    Take care.

  • Information Overload: How Fragmented Media Shapes Our Worldview

    Gone are the days when most people relied on the same sources—newspapers or evening news on radio or TV—for world events. Back then, everyone accessed the same information, allowing for discussions that helped gauge others’ thoughts and feelings. While people had different opinions, there was a shared understanding of how things worked. ‘Agreeing to disagree’ once meant respecting differing viewpoints without hostility.

    Today, there are thousands of information sources, accessible from anywhere, on any topic. This has led to diverse knowledge bases and fragmented our sense of unity within physical communities. Instead, like-minded individuals have migrated to online spaces where information isn’t always accurate. In this environment, it’s harder to discern what’s real, and what isn’t, validating only one’s perspectives.

    Social media algorithms can trap you in an environment where only one viewpoint is shown, making it harder to accept opposing opinions. Over time, you may question your own beliefs and eventually accept the dominant narrative of your online bubble. When you interact with people in your physical community, their differing perspectives might lead you to question their credibility or view them as misinformed.

    This disconnect isn’t limited to communities—it extends to workplaces, stores, and other social settings. Disagreements in the real world can feel strange and unfamiliar. We’ve become unaccustomed to reading body language or maintaining eye contact in debates. We struggle with face-to-face discussions and have lost the art of agreeing to disagree, reducing conversations to a matter of right versus wrong.

    This division fosters the belief that disagreement means opposition, turning others into enemies. Seeking validation, we often retreat to online communities that echo our beliefs, reinforcing our sense of righteousness and making it easy to feel we’re always right.

    Today, countless online communities validate our thoughts, making it hard to accept being wrong. We’ve regressed to a tribal mindset, where each group clings to its own beliefs and traditions. Yet, unlike ancient tribes, we struggle to remain open-minded. Historically, tribes would listen to others and adopt better practices, embracing change for the greater good.

    We all have the right to our own opinions, beliefs, and preferences. But we must also be willing to accept those of others. Understanding different perspectives and staying open-minded is crucial, even when we don’t agree. We need to consider information that challenges our beliefs and be open to questioning our views. Personal growth depends on accepting the possibility of being wrong and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable. Just as societies evolve, so too must our perspectives. We must restore a sense of physical community and foster open, honest conversations about the world around us. A better future begins with us as individuals.

    Take care. 

  • How to Keep Your Internal Negotiator in Check

    How to Keep Your Internal Negotiator in Check

    Each of us holds an internal negotiator—the voice that whispers, urging us to choose the easier path, like staying in bed, wrapped in the warmth and comfort of our blankets. It asks you why you would ever get up and do something when you could be sleeping all morning. We must remember that as human beings, we are driven by purpose and a mission. We have a purpose and mission to contribute to society and help our fellow human beings. That’s why we get up in the morning. Marcus Aurelius said, “I have to go to work as a human being.” This illustrates how fulfilling our purpose begins with conquering the urge to remain comfortable.

    Today’s world has made it much easier for us to live effortlessly. We can eat prepared meals, take the elevator or use a calculator. There are a lot of different ways to make our lives easier. But at what cost? Technology has given us so much and has taken away so much as well. We do not need to remember anything anymore. Memories, both for children and adults, seem to be fading, as we now rely heavily on smartphones to access all information. 

    It all starts in the morning. We must establish a morning routine and avoid overthinking. Instead, we should focus on simply taking action. Arnold Swarzennegger mentioned that his rule in the morning is ‘don’t think’. This approach helps to silence the internal negotiator, or at least, lull it back to sleep. He said, “make it a rule where you say, ‘Okay, there are certain things that I would do before I start thinking… I’m going to work out before I start thinking.’ Don’t think. Just go.”

    In today’s world, the internal negotiator thrives as technology encourages convenience and instant gratification. It’s become a necessity for us, a crutch we use when we are unsure. We use it to console ourselves when we are bored or want a boost of joy. However, this reliance has a detrimental effect on both our minds and bodies. It all begins with the internal negotiator, the back and forth so many of us not only have in the mornings to wake up but throughout the day with everything else. 

    It’s about taking control of our actions. Although the internal negotiator will always be present, it’s controllable. It’s strongest when we are the weakest and weakest when we are strongest. Therefore it’s important to take care of your body. There is a connection between the body and the mind. Seneca said, “We treat the body rigorously, so that it will not be disobedient to the mind.” Seneca talks about controlling our internal negotiator, just like Arnold talks about not thinking in the morning. 

    Get moving to be strong and inspired. Get moving to be in control of your life and your actions. Do not let your internal negotiator take control. Become the maestro of both your body and mind. 

    Take care.