What exactly is self-awareness and what good will it do me? What follows aims to show you how being self-aware benefits you in so many ways, not least by helping you change any thoughts or behaviour that are holding you back from being the best that you can be. The articles were written during the six years I was living in France and trying to create my own niche within another culture. They describe certain incidents and situations in my life during that time: my observations, what I learnt and how I carried that learning forward. There are additional suggestions as to how you too might apply similar learning in your life. This method of learning involves being open and aware as you engage with life from day to day. It’s the foundation of all personal growth and, like anything of fundamental value, it’s simple but not easy. The encouraging thing is that anyone can do it, as perfection is not required at all. You can work at it slowly and steadily and still see improvements as you come to know your authentic Self. Indeed it’s usually the most difficult experiences we encounter that afford us the greatest opportunity to learn about our Self. To begin, you need only appreciate and put into practice what many of us take for granted: our capacity to see and to listen, to notice, as we go about our day to day lives.