The weeks fly by so fast that sometimes we just go through the motions without really living life. Sometimes we are oblivious to what’s happening around us or how long it’s been since we’ve done something we have deemed as important. It’s incredible how six months can feel like six hours when we’re caught up in a whirlwind of activities week after week. It’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters.
I was talking to my great aunt on the phone the other day about work, wedding planning and all the other activities I’m involved in. She told me it’s great to stay busy, but to always be sure I’m dedicating time to the important things in life. She used to work so much that she would forget what day it was. She also said that decades of her life went by too quickly, and she ended up looking back and realizing too much time had passed since she had done certain things. I remind myself constantly that I never want to get to that point.
I started thinking about the small things that we can easily forget or dismiss when we’re busy and how life can become monotonous when we live on autopilot. I put together the following list of 22 questions that I think we should ask ourselves every so often, particularly during busy/stressful times.
Have I…
Complimented someone for doing a great job?
Called a friend or family member who I haven’t talked to in awhile?
Read something unrelated to my job or industry?
Had lunch away from my desk?
Sent a handwritten card or thank you note?
Participated in an activity that I love doing?
Reminded a loved one why he/she is important to me?
Recognized a coworker for his/her achievements?
Told someone I was proud of him/her?
Took advantage of a sunny, warm day?
Allowed my mind to go blank so I think about absolutely nothing?
Had a long, in-person conversation with a friend or family member?
Listened more than I’ve talked?
Recognized when I’ve done something wrong and apologized?
Taken a vacation (no it doesn’t count if you check your e-mail multiple times a day when you’re supposed to be on vacation)?
Been getting a good night’s sleep at least a few times a week?
Realized when I need to slow down and/or take a break?
Learned from a mistake?
Taught someone something new that I’ve learned?
Engaged in some type of physical activity (walking to and from the kitchen and bathroom at work doesn’t count)?
Laughed so hard that my stomach hurts?
Done something out of my comfort zone?
I won’t even pretend like I have accomplished everything on this list lately, so this is a good gut check for me, too. I need to do a much better job of getting away from my desk more often, and I need to push myself to do more things that are out of my comfort zone.
I did follow my own advice the other night, though. I tend to shoot down MAL’s offer to get ice cream or frozen yogurt after dinner (which he attempts at least a few times a week) because there’s too much to do. Ice cream on a warm summer night is a stellar combo, and sadly those days are numbered as we continue creeping closer to fall. It felt pretty good to hit the pause button and let the laundry and e-mails wait just a tad longer while we enjoyed something fun that we don’t do often enough.
So, where do you stand? Are there any questions you would add to my list?