[come] to a realization

to suddenly understand or become aware of a fact, truth, or situation that was previously unclear or unnoticed

He came to a realization about the impact of his actions on the environment and started making more eco-friendly choices.
After months of therapy, he came to the realization that he needed to confront his past trauma.
Upon reflecting on her past mistakes, she came to a realization about the need for self-improvement.
She came to the realization that pursuing her passion for art was more important than a high-paying job.
Sometimes, it takes experiencing a loss to come to a realization about the value of what we have.