The importance of being mindful of oneself cannot be overstated. This practice of self-awareness is a cornerstone of personal growth and development. It allows us to delve into our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, offering a clearer understanding of our behaviours and reactions. By being attuned to our emotions, we gain the ability to regulate them more effectively, reducing stress and promoting emotional intelligence. Mindfulness also empowers us to make wiser decisions, fostering self-compassion and self-acceptance. It encourages personal growth through introspection and self-reflection while enhancing our relationships with others through improved communication and empathy. Ultimately, being mindful of oneself is not just a tool for self-improvement but a gateway to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Up until I had read this book, my understanding of what anxiety was felt very broad and almost distanced from me. I could tell when those jittery feelings in my body kicked in, but all I could say was, "I'm feeling anxious." It was like, "Oh, here comes that anxiety again, and I'm not quite sure why, but it's definitely overwhelming." There were days when a subtle undercurrent of anxiety would persist throughout the day, defying my attempts to make it go away.

Boundaries. I cannot tell you how okay it is to admit that setting and enforcing boundaries is a struggle. I have had to learn the value of boundaries in recent years, and boy, once you become aware of the importance of boundaries and start implementing them in your life, you will experience a profound sense of peace and empowerment.

During a conversation with my favourite professor, she once shared a profound insight with me. She said, "Your children will serve you yourself." Her words resonated with me as a mother, especially as I reflected on many scenarios where I experienced this as a parent. These moments often stopped me in my tracks because they forced me to reflect on my own behaviours and put into question my parenting strategies. For me personally, I didn’t really delve into my own childhood experiences quite like I did until I became a parent. I believe it is common for many parents to go through mirroring experiences when they have children and boy, do those moments really shake you to your core.