My Self-Awareness Slipped, Impacted My Hearing and So Much More

What did you say? Huh?  One or the other of these questions had become my talking pattern. It was so frustrating for me. I couldn’t engage in genuine conversations because I couldn’t hear.

About a month ago, my son, Jacob, came into visit me. He found an opportunity to speak to me privately. “Mom, you really can’t hear. Please go get a hearing aid,” he said, with lots of compassion and kindness. It was the moment I decided it was time to take action. 

Here I am a motivational speaker who talks about self-care and I was not really taking care of my hearing. This entire experience has showed me that self-care is not always enough. You need to have self-awareness, too. Or, at least be willing to listen when someone cares enough to give you a gentle nudge.    

Hearing loss was extending to all areas of my life and I didn’t even know it. In the car if someone was behind me, I couldn’t hear. If I was out at a restaurant and it was crowded, I couldn’t hear. I even started to pick places to go based on if it was quiet – so I could hear.  

It was exhausting. 

I was even starting to feel lightheaded some days. I thought it was my blood sugar so I made an appointment with my doctor. They did blood work and all was fine. It was during my meeting with Matt at TruHearing that he explained how hearing impacts your overall health and well-being. 

I had considered seeking treatment for hearing loss a few times at different points in my life. I just could not afford the cost. This time was different. I knew I needed to get back what was missing in my life.    

I am writing this blog today because we lead busy lives, and in all our busy-ness, we find ways to accommodate situations – such as a reduction in our hearing. Below are some tips to help you slow down, to take some time to become more self –aware. And if you are having trouble hearing, I hope you will take the time to address it.   

Create a Relaxation Routine

How do you relax? Some people take power naps, some meditate, some have weekly massages, and some exercise. These activities help relieve stress, give you time to recharge, and increase your energy levels. Depending on your energy and stress levels, establish a routine that helps you relax. Finding a relaxation routine and making it a regular part of your day is an important part of ensuring that you are physically and emotionally healthy.

Take Quiet Time for Yourself

Between text messages, video chats, Facebook, emails, and other social media, it seems like we are in constant contact with others. 

For a good night’s sleep, take some quiet time about an hour before bed when you disconnect from your screens and electronic devices. Read a book to give your eyes a rest from the harmful light of electronics’ screens. Turn off the music and open your window to listen to the sounds of nature in your environment. 

Mediate and enjoy some quiet time if it helps your brain relax after the activities of the day.

Pay Attention and Give it the Attention YOU Deserve 

Are you struggling in one particular area of your life? If so, focus on your habits that surround that aspect of your life. For example, if you are like I was and choosing only quiet restaurants, that’s a sign. I should have paid more attention. 

The next step is to state your goal to address the issue.  

Please, be good to yourself.  Let these tips serve as my gentle reminder to you to practice self-awareness in your life, every day in every way.  Nudge, nudge.  

Lisa Bien is a motivational speaker and coach whose column appears twice a month on Woman Around Town. For more information on Lisa, go to her website.

Top photo: Lisa and her son, Jacob.