The hero's journey is about constant growth and development, extending beyond the physical. We all have past traumas that have created patterns and habits we've followed for years without questioning. We often can't explain why we do certain things in certain ways because no one taught us to do it. It takes courage to admit that some of our behaviors result in broken relationships, cause us unhelpful worry, and even lead to chronic conditions. The good news is that we don’t have to stay that way. ​ Lately, I’ve been dedicating much of my free time to discovering who I am versus who I've always tried to be. The most gratifying discovery I made early on was that I'd been living my life half asleep. I had no idea why I felt angry about simple things, blamed others for my misfortunes, why it was so important for me that people apologised for their wrongdoings, and how subconsciously I'd hurt so many people without realizing it. ​ That's when I started researching content that would help me understand myself better and equip me with useful tools. The sources I am sharing here touch on different approaches and topics—science and spirituality—but at their core, they have one thing in common: how to be more mindful in our daily lives, how to be more 'awake.' If we pay attention to what, how, and why we do certain things, we'll be more in touch with ourselves, able to take responsibility for our emotions and actions, and eventually introduce change. ​ Social media often tries hard to convince us that 'happiness' is the default mode for most people. This is very misleading and damaging, especially during our most vulnerable moments. Through mindfulness practice, we recognize that pain is also a normal part of life. And with the right tools, we can minimize our suffering and find contentment in whatever the present moment offers us. Ultimately, if more of us act with awareness, we’ll hurt ourselves and others much less, bringing more kindness into the world. I hope you find this content insightful and healing.