October 19 - Evaluate Your Life Day

Special or unusual life moments sometimes cause us to take a look back - or a look forward - at our lives. Of course we all made some mistakes or failed dreadfully. However, did you learn from your mistakes and pursue onward or did they pull you down forever?

As you look forward, are you willing to take some educated risk? One of my bosses always said that if we wash the elephant the same way every day we'll always have the same elephant. Only a few of us truly look forward to big changes in our lives. Many of us, though a bit doubtful, also know that we must shape our lives to grow with the changes. When we have no control, change is often very disruptive.

Some of us have experienced terrible losses. Death, chronic illness, job termination, divorce, addictions, moving and other changes forced upon us can change our lives in a moment. However, some of us have experienced great opportunities including great jobs, new homes, great friend and family support, travel and other exciting offers. Many of our lives have included both turns and sometimes they happen very close together.

Could we have or would we have made choices that would have turned lives in a completely different direction? How long has it been since you took time to actually evaluated your life? Jobs are in scare supply right now, but is it worthwhile if you hate your job and it's injuring your health or destroying family life? That doesn't mean you should quit today, but it could mean that you make some decision to complete a new resume' and that you network and learn about other opportunities. Maybe you need to reinforce your skills with a few classes to update or enable you to back up your skills to a future employer.

If you are feeling ill or have health concerns, are you in denial or have you made an appointment with your doctor? You say you have no health insurance and you can't afford to go to the doctor. By doing some research, you will probably find somewhere nearby where you could receive the needed attention at little or no cost.

Do you continue to get pregnant because you feel you can't afford birth control or you just hope you won't get pregnant? As you already know, that just doesn't work. Women's health care clinics can provide needed and low cost health care. Get an appointment today.

Have you and your spouse or your children been having problems? Are you in denial and just know things will soon get better? Or, are you dealing with them and trying to work out solutions.

Perhaps you have elderly parents that need help? Are you the person to provide hands-on or should you call their local community to find other options? Of course, phones and emails will work for instant communication so you are able to make needed decisions. And often, just hearing the voice of your parents can tell you if they're doing better or the condition is getting more complicated.

Are your children doing all right in school? How are you dealing with day care? Is your care provider responsible and do you feel your children are well cared for? Do not in any way leave your children in homes or day cares that you suspicion are unsafe. Do you take time to actively listen to your kids? Or, are you too busy and say you'll talk with them later. Do you do fun things with them and encourage in home learning? Teachers can not do it all. They are your children and you are responsible. I encourage you to stay in close communication with all who are close to your children.

Take time for some physical activity in your life. Your life may depend upon it. Even if you are elderly and wheel chair bound, take time to wiggle and move and do stretches. You can do those while watching TV or sitting outside on a sunny day. Not everyone has time to run 10 miles - or wants to - nor do they have money or want to go to the gym, but everyone can do some sort of exercise.

Are you following your doctor's directions as to the medicines and other orders he's given you? Perhaps things didn't work out as your doctor thought. If so, don't just stop and do your own will, but give your doctor or their nurse a call. Maybe you should change medicines, the amount you take or maybe it's more or less serious than your doctor first thought.

Studies are telling us that we must remain social for good health. Conversation causes us to think and social interaction, laughter, and just forgetting our own problems for awhile is very helpful. We are lucky today because cell phones plans enable us to easily call long distance and our computers enable us to visit with friends or family everyday. Take time to send emails and you'll soon look forward to receiving them. Learn a couple of jokes that you can easily share with others. Learn to laugh at yourself first. All of these things make you great company. Open your home to others. Everyone is so busy the days of having to "clean" before anyone comes are in the past. Just take time to clean your bathrooms and pick up the clutter. Then pick up the phone and invite some friends. You'll feel good and be glad you did.

If you feel your life is on rock bottom at this time, do continue to evaluate your struggle. Ask for help. Try to identify your problem. Help others in ways that have no cost. Isolating yourself will not ease your problems and your mind will mushroom problems causing you more depression and/or anxiety.

For some, prayer helps you calm yourself and empowers you. For others, different methods are best. Decide for yourself or get help in trying to make the best of these short days on earth Yes, sometimes life is tough and sometimes you feel you're riding on a feather.

Aren't you glad you took some time to evaluate and now you can keep on keeping on!