I was thinking about my day after I turned out the light tonight. I always ask myself these questions and thought I would share my thoughts with you to plant the seed of what life is about.
While I lay in the dark waiting for sleep to come I asked myself: Where did I have joy today? What did I do that was fulfilling? Did I do something I am not pleased about? Can I fix it? Overall, what did I trade a day of my life for? What did I do with this wonderful gift?
I’m going to share with you the thoughts of last night so you can get a picture of how this daily review works for me. Hopefully you will think it is worthwhile doing also.
Where did I find joy?
It was mostly an alone day. There was joy in just being with me. I welcomed the little squirrel that is by my door every morning waiting for me to feed her and the 11 others she brings with her.
I talked with the checkout woman at the grocery store about hair styles. It made me think of my mother and her having extended conversations with strangers.
Baxter the cat sat on my lap while I sat at my desk. He is an aloof cat so for him to condescend to sit on my lap is a gift.
What did I do that was fulfilling?
I read a book for hours.
I visited with a daughter I hadn’t seen all week. Anything with family is fulfilling for me.
Did I do something I am not pleased about? Can I fix it?
Actually I didn’t do anything I am not pleased about. Maybe that is one of the perks of an alone day.
What did I trade a day of my life for?
The freedom to do nothing.
These things seem small and insignificant as I read them. But most of life is filled with small occurrences, small things we generally miss, that we let slip away without even noticing. How much of our life do we not even see let alone remember?
Most of us take life for granted. We act like it will last forever. It won’t. Let’s appreciate each day mindfully.
Something more about… A Simple Practice to Help You Notice What Matters
If you're caring for someone at the end of life and want to be more present, By Your Side: A Guide for Caring for the Dying at Home can help you create meaningful moments and ease the uncertainty of the journey. There is a chapter that specifically addresses self care for the caregiver.
5 comments
Mitzi Meador
Thank you for sharing your practice to help you know what matters. I love it and it’s so true. I’m also going to start using your practice for myself. And I’m going to share it with friends. Bless you and thank you for all you do!
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BK Books replied:
Mitzi, Blessings to you too, Barbara
Thank you for sharing your practice to help you know what matters. I love it and it’s so true. I’m also going to start using your practice for myself. And I’m going to share it with friends. Bless you and thank you for all you do!
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BK Books replied:
Mitzi, Blessings to you too, Barbara
Robert
Thanks, Barbara. A daily review is a wonderful practice. I find it interesting that people who have near death experiences often report a life review. Seems like this daily practice would help to prepare for that!
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BK Books replied:
Hi Robert, an interesting thought. Blessings! Barbara
Thanks, Barbara. A daily review is a wonderful practice. I find it interesting that people who have near death experiences often report a life review. Seems like this daily practice would help to prepare for that!
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BK Books replied:
Hi Robert, an interesting thought. Blessings! Barbara
Deborah
What a beautiful lesson in mindfulness, Barbara. In my hospice visiting, I enjoy guiding someone to moments of noticing, moments of gratitude: tiny wonders are…good!
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BK Books replied:
Hi Deborah, blessings to you in the work you are doing. Barbara
What a beautiful lesson in mindfulness, Barbara. In my hospice visiting, I enjoy guiding someone to moments of noticing, moments of gratitude: tiny wonders are…good!
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BK Books replied:
Hi Deborah, blessings to you in the work you are doing. Barbara
Melanie
What a beautiful and insightful post! Your description of your day and, especially, your nightly questions truly connected with me. It’s refreshing to read about a routine that brings comfort before sleep, particularly when my own thoughts tend to lean towards worry. I’m genuinely touched and grateful for you sharing such a personal and uplifting practice.
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BK Books replied:
Thank you, Melanie. Pleasant dreams. Blessings! Barbara
What a beautiful and insightful post! Your description of your day and, especially, your nightly questions truly connected with me. It’s refreshing to read about a routine that brings comfort before sleep, particularly when my own thoughts tend to lean towards worry. I’m genuinely touched and grateful for you sharing such a personal and uplifting practice.
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BK Books replied:
Thank you, Melanie. Pleasant dreams. Blessings! Barbara
Adriana
Thank you for sharing your before sleeping thoughts. So many times those thoughts are worrisome, keeping us awake. I will ask myself your questions tonight and maybe make a habit of it.
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BK Books replied:
Hi Adriana, I hope my little bedtime ritual brings you as much fulfillment a it does me. Blessings! Barbara
s
Thank you for sharing your before sleeping thoughts. So many times those thoughts are worrisome, keeping us awake. I will ask myself your questions tonight and maybe make a habit of it.
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BK Books replied:
Hi Adriana, I hope my little bedtime ritual brings you as much fulfillment a it does me. Blessings! Barbara
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