Questions about My Life

Last year we lost three dear members of our family - Joe's Aunt Bernie, Mom, and Ron.
I'm trying to learn a lesson from these heartaches and think about my life, what I need to do with the days I have. I have found these six questions to be helpful.


1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it?
I'm working on spending time with the people I love. I'm trying not to hold grudges, life's too short, and the time to forgive may never arrive. If I’ve done something to hurt a loved one, ask for forgiveness. Don't be too proud.

2. Am I pursuing my dream, or is fear stopping me?
Is there something I have always wanted to do but haven't for some reason? Am I afraid, or are the obstacles too big? I need to make up my mind that I am going to do it and set about making a plan to accomplish it.

3. Am I doing something that matters?
Our lives are busy with tasks - things that take up so much time, but provide little significance. I'm working on trying to separate the crazy busy from the more important things, I try to ask myself "will this matter in 5 years?". It helps me to not get so upset by the shoes piled up by the back door, the coats slung over the backs of chairs, and the mail stacked up a mile high.

4. What am I doing to help others?
You get the most out of life not just by taking what you can for yourself, but by giving to others. What have I done lately to help people out? Have I been kind to people? Have I been compassionate? Have I been there for anyone? Listened? Volunteered for those in need? Have I made kindness a habit?

5. Am I as good a person as I want to be?
When I’m impatient or selfish or less-than-helpful, I think back on what I’ve said and done and realize that I could have done better. Instead of beating myself up about it, I try harder, to remember to allow my faith to guide me, to rise above the minor things to a better place.
It’s not easy to be a good person, at least not all of the time. It’s easier to be selfish, without thinking about it. But is that how I want to be remembered? Is that how I want to live my life?

6. What am I doing to live life with passion, health and energy?
I've had some small health problems lately - so I am working through this as I write. It seems you can do all the right things, but if you don't have the energy, are sluggish, you'll waste what time you have on being sick. We all want to serve as a role model to our children. I heard yesterday that the way you take care of yourself, is the way your children will take care of themselves when they are our age. So don't be self sacrificing, and a martyr when it comes to your health. Learn to live a healthy life, with good foods. This will lead to more energy in your life. And then direct that energy into something you’re passionate about.