A Moment for Reflection
As the year, in this case the decade, comes to an end, what do people typically reflect on in their lives? Rather than stuff unnecessary content into this article, I want to keep this short and sweet so that you, dear reader, can take the extra time you would have used to read it and see if you can answer at least one of the following questions.
The following list can be used as a brief exercise in reflection – and by the way – can be used at the end of the year, and also the end of the quarter, month, week, and each day if you’d like:
- What have I accomplished?
- What lessons have I learned?
- What mistakes did I make?
- What did I regret?
- In what ways did I live according to my values?
- In what ways did I fail to live according to my values?
- Have my values changed?
- What in my life right now is meaningful?
- Where and how would I like to make improvements?
At the trial of Socrates, he supposedly said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” At some point today/tonight, rather than reading, watching, or listening to other content, do yourself a favor and try and answer one or more of the above questions. You’ll be glad you did.
Robin S. Smith, MS, LCMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in clinical practice in Bethesda MD. As an MFT, he specializes in relationship issues for couples, families, and individuals, for improved quality of life. His areas of expertise include: transition to parenthood for new and expecting parents, infidelity, sex and intimacy issues, premarital counseling, and trauma. Robin has given talks to various groups including hospital administrators, graduate students, fellow psychotherapists, and child birth educators. He is the primary contributor to The Couple and Family Clinic Blog.
