The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
That’s a pretty strong statement. When I first heard it, years ago, I did not accept it. But now I see the wisdom in it.
So every now and then I take inventory of my life and my work. Not in a critical or judgemental way, but simply to get an overview of where I am in my personal and work life, and in my relationships. This helps me keep my focus on the path I’ve chosen to follow.
I enlist the help of my spirit guides in this process. Since I can be overly critical of myself, it helps to have a loving, objective perspective. And that’s what my guides provide.
In fact, this weekend I’m taking inventory. It’s usually a fun exercise. It makes it easy, though not always effortless, to see myself, my life, my path through the eyes of Spirit. And then to see the changes I need to make. I don’t always see those clearly until I do this self-examination, with Spirit’s help.
Sometimes those changes involve relationships or work or any number of other areas of my life. As I said, it’s usually fun and always fruitful.
I cannot imagine not doing this exercise regularly. It always feels like a new beginning—a fresh start in life. You leave the past behind and get on with the fun and joy of what lies ahead of you.
Related posts:
Perspective Is Everything
A New Beginning
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How about you—do you ever take inventory of your life? Please share your thoughts with us below.
We welcome your comments and thoughtful opinions, whether you agree or disagree with us. Please keep your comments polite and relevant to the topic of this blog post. If needed, we’ll edit for clarity. Also, we’ll delete anything we consider inappropriate.
Toni
John, I do this pretty regularly. When I do something that doesn’t feel good to me, I say, “Source, please heal whatever it is in me that makes me [act like this, say these things, feel like this].” It’s very soothing because I know I’ll get an answer. It might not be immediate, but just knowing whatever it is will be healed makes me feel better.
Love,
Toni
John Cali
Thanks very much, Toni. That’s great that you practice this regularly. I do too.
Love,
John
Susan
What a timely blog! I am completely evaluating every aspect of my life right now and it’s been a struggle. I am pursuing a graduate degree I never imagined I would be attempting. That sounds simple enough except for all the other responsibilities in my life. I struggle with feeling almost guilty for going on with my education at 51. I know it’s not an age thing, but with children at home, FT job, spouse, etc I step back and ask “is this all about me? Am I neglecting those I love when I have to study so much?” It sounds trite perhaps, but it’s a huge undertaking and the stress of doing this has been at times overwhelming. I am asking for guidance but struggle with interpreting what is in fact my higher self vs my mortal desires. I start a rigorous program in Jan and can’t seem to let go. Thanks for posting this. I would love some feedback on how to distinguish between my head and what is the ultimate plan for my life.
John Cali
Hi Susan,
The way I distinguish between, to use your words, “my higher self vs my mortal desires” is by how it feels to me. I know this sounds too simple, and my spirit guides and I have been criticized for it — but if it feels good to you, that is your higher self telling you to go ahead.
If anyone else wants to give their opinion, please do.
Mikala St. Germain
I do this on a rather constant basis. Periodically, I am guided by Spirit to look at specific things. Most often, that guidance is to show me the positive side of me when I am being too critical of myself. Also, if I am not comfortable or serene, I want to find within the reason I am not in alignment with my Higher Being.
I have learned much with this practice. Who Am I? How did I get here? Where am I heading. What are my visions? I always come out of this practice feeling strongly my connection with Spirit and Source, and the Unity of All. I have grown by recognizing the pathway I have followed. I also recognize that some things aren’t important and can be either simply left behind or that the Violet Flame can erase them.
Spirit is always there for support if I need it. In fact, I think this is a way for us to attract that unconditional love of Spirit for our benefit. It’s a wonderful practice. I don’t know how one could not do this.
jerry
For me, when I get into a deep funk, I like to, metaphorically, stand back and see where it is I am not having a fun time! It rarely happens as much because I noticed when I am smiling and keeping things in a ‘lighter’ mood, it is reflected back to me with my friends and others I meet as a salesman or on the street.
When I am not smiling, EVERYONE asks me what is wrong, so that reflection back to me greatly helps me to stop taking anything serious and smile again. Especially, during these stressful times of holidays, post-election, war drums, etc., it is really helpful to know that you are GOD and smile. It has never failed me!! It’s the easiest way in the world to help others.
Love and hugs to all,
Jerry
paterra
i do this generally around my birthday…more often is a very good idea…do you have an outline or template you follow or any suggestions (in addition to what you shared) to share on how you “take inventory”? thanks!
John Cali
No, I don’t have a “template.” I just look at the areas of my life — work, relationships, etc. — where things are not running smoothly. Then I simply focus on those and ask how I can improve. I trust the answers that come to me from my spirit guides and/or my higher self.