A friend of mine asked me how I feel about success and balancing my hectic schedule. To me one of the key factors is developing my self-awareness.¹ Why is self-awareness such a key factor? We all measure success differently.²

Maybe you want to change something in your life. So you begin to search. You go to the book store or a class to seek out that illusive something. You start a new exercise program, new diet or new hobby. Your body starts to come alive, you feel younger; your clothes fit differently and as your perspective changes you are discovering self-awareness.

As a performer I study techniques that help develop my skills, but there are methods which have helped me develop myself on a deeper level. Dream journaling is one of those techniques. According to Carl Jung ³, there are symbols known as 'Archetypes' which are universally recognized in our psyche. Through the use of dream journals we can find a way to tap into our subconscious mind and discover more about ourselves.

In 1987 I was studying with psychotherapist and Jungian astrologer, Tanda Tashjian ?, who asked our class to keep a dream journal. She suggested we keep a small notebook by the bed. At first I could only remember a word or a phrase. As weeks passed words turned into paragraphs, paragraphs into pages and by the end of the workshop I had several journals full of dreams.

We studied the use of symbols and discovered more about ourselves. As the years go by my collection continues to grow. I have learned how to tune in to the subtle changes going on in my life. Songs, artwork, screenplays and books are all results of material from my dream journals.

This is one of those techniques that we do for ourselves because of the process. If you are ready for an incredible journey, put a pen and pad on your night stand tonight. Tomorrow morning, before you jump out of bed, write down your dream. You might be surprised what hidden treasures you discover!

To learn more go to http://www.SandyKastelSpeaker.com

¹ self-aware·ness, noun, an awareness of one's own personality or individuality" Webster's Dictionary
² The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
³ Jung, Man and his Symbols by Carl Jung
? Tanda Tashjian, Psychotherapist and Jungian Astrologer, www.tandaastrology.com

Author's Bio: 

Sandy Kastel knows all about the impact of life choices. A singer and Miss Nevada title-holder in the Miss America Pageant, her life has been a series of detours, taking her on an incredible journey leading up to a career as an artist, clothing designer, singer, songwriter, publisher, producer, and playwright.

A recording artist, Sandy has released two CDs and is preparing for her third, which will include her original songs. This Time Around, a tribute to the American Songbook and the performers who made the songs famous, hit the radio stations in 2007. Only In Las Vegas, a collection of songs from her television special, The Event, aired nationally. She has two upcoming books slated for 2010. Detours talks of choices made in her life and the self-help methods available to all of us when making life transitions. In Miss America: What It Takes to Win the Crown, Sandy shares her journey to the Miss America pageant, the women she met, the volunteers who donated their time to the organization, and the tools to help young women in the pursuit of their dreams. Sandy is a member of the National Association of Songwriters, the Recording Academy, and BMI. She provides her talents and continues to support the work of numerous charities: Jerry Lewis Telethon, Children’s Miracle Network, Disabled Veterans, Safe Nest, Policemen, Firefighters, Public Broadcasting and Public Radio, National Hot Rod Association’s DRAW, Save the Wild Horses, and the Omni-Equus Foundation.