A 5-Minute Exercise to Examine Your Life

The other day was busy for me. It was one of those days where as soon as the alarm clock went off I was thinking about the next thing to do. I was strategizing how I would accomplish all I had to do in the shower, getting ready and on the way to work. Once I got there I set into my rhythm of accomplishing and moving forward in all I had to do – I attended meetings, spoke with clients, completed paperwork, etc. Before I knew it the sun was setting and I made an uncomfortable realization. I had forgotten to eat lunch.

Forgot to eat? Do I need to start setting an Outlook reminder to clue me in when to take care of my physical needs?

I’m not too proud of this particular incident, but it emphasizes an important fact about life in our culture and our time. We seldom take a moment to collect our thoughts about a single day, let alone where are lives are going in general. It’s so easy to get stuck on what’s right in front of our noses that we often forget that there’s an entire world outside of us and an entire world within us. If I’m looking right in front of me I’m missing so much of what’s so important.

When’s the last time you took stock of your life – of what things meant to you? Maybe like me you know exactly what you’re doing, but not how you’re doing it.

Take a moment and shift your focus off of your goals and on to your life and how you’re living. Consider taking five minutes out of your busy day as a gift to yourself. Complete the following exercise and check in with yourself about how you are.

Looking at your life as a whole, answer the following questions ‘yes’ or ‘no’. While answering these questions, take your time. Take time to notice your reactions, feelings, body language, and thoughts that come up. It might be helpful to take a deep breath before each question. Notice your desire to explain your answer or qualify your choice. Fight the urge to qualify, explain, or justify. Simply answer the question.

Are you happy?

Are you searching?

Are you sad?

Are you loving?

Are you loved?

Are you powerful?

Are you fulfilled?

Are you at peace?

Are you satisfied?

Are you hopeful?

Are you afraid?

Are you taking care of yourself?

Are you alone?

Are you angry?

Take a few moments to reflect on this process. Stay with yourself and be with whatever might be coming up. If you would like further guidance, let the following questions prompt you:

Which questions were the hardest to answer?

Which questions mad you feel sad? Happy? Scared? Angry?

What are the questions that you want different answers to?