Self Evaluation for Your Life in 2009

On New Year's Eve you may make a resolution to affect a drastic change in your life. You might decide this is the day to go back on that diet to lose that stubborn last ten pounds, or go ahead and paint the house you've been putting off for a year, or maybe change your career, and even break off a relationship that's been going nowhere. On January 2^nd something happens and your resolutions are tossed to the side. You keep on trudging down the same path in life you followed in 2008. It's time for a self-evaluation.

2009 just may be the critical point when you should stop and self-evaluate your life. With the world in major crisis maybe you should inhale and take serious time to evaluate the direction your life's leading. It could enhance your life and affect a positive change in others around you. Over the years I've thought about several questions which make you ponder, simple but definitely thought provoking. These questions could change your life if you answer them truthfully and then act on your gut feeling. I offer them to you for a self-evaluation.

1-Am I satisfied with my life today?

January's the number one month for suicides. After a month of extreme joy many people face the sad reality of depression. If you could self-evaluate your life and notice a state of discontentment, would you be able to obtain help before further complications develop? Are you living the life you expected to live today?

2-If I died today would anyone truly miss me?

Funerals are for the living. Have you ever thought about your own funeral, wondered who would be there, who would truly be affected by your demise? Does it really matter to you? If the three ghosts from the Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," visited you what would they find in your past, present and future?

3-Is there anyone I know who really knows the real me?

We wear many faces during our daily life; the professional demeanor, the neighborly face, the social face, the phony smile, or the loving and caring one for examples. Is there anyone who really knows your true self, your personality with all your nuances? Are you comfortable revealing your true self? Do you like your true self?

4-Who did I hurt this past year, intentionally or not, and did I do anything to remedy it?

Unfortunately during your daily life you may unintentionally hurt someone, physically or more so emotionally. Does apologizing for your actions repair the damage? By hurting someone did you alter a drastic change in that person's live? Why would you intentionally try to hurt anyone?

5-Who did I reach out to help this past year?

Whether a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger, did you take time to offer assistance in anyway? Are you so wrapped up with your life that you don't notice someone else in need? Do you really care?

6-How many new friends have I made this year? How many friends have I lost? How many are real friends I can count on through thick and thin?

At this very moment can you contact a friend, and know they'll be right there for you no matter what you're requesting their help for? Have you allowed new friends into your life? Have you lost touch with friends, forgotten to make that phone call? Have you lost friends and can't explain why? Have you asked? If you're a loner, are you happy? Contentment is the key.

7-Am I happy with the residence I live in?

Finances are difficult on everyone at the moment. Have you done everything you can to make your residence a home, or is it just a place to lay your head at night? Is your family safe as possible? If not, have you done everything possible to find a new residence?

8-Am I happy with the relationship I have with my family, my mate, my children?

This question is the most important one, because these are the people you're closest to? If there are difficulties between you and them have you done everything possible to solve the issues? If your relationship is abusive, maybe this will be the moment when you do everything possible to get out of it safely. Domestic violence is increasing and no one should become a victim, male or female. If you're the abuser make a decision to go for help. Any relationship is work, but if you have a foundation based on love, its enjoyable work. Are you a dedicated parent, one who really takes the time to listen to your children, know there friends, get involved with their school? If you're having difficulties rearing children, there's no shame in obtaining help.

9- Am I happy with my job?

If not, why haven't you changed jobs? If you can't change jobs what can you do to make it more tolerable? With all the layoffs today any job is a job you might need to hold onto. Leaving your job's unsolved problems at the job before you arrive home may help your relationship, your family, and your own self-contentment. If you see an opportunity to advance in your career, are able to change careers, go for it, why wait.

10-Did I make any new changes to my life last year? Am I happy with the results?

We change our hairstyles, our attire, more than we think about changing our personal life if it's in disarray. When you affect a change, what is your reason?

11-What would I like to do that I'm capable of doing but haven't done yet? Why haven't I've done it?

There was a movie called, "The Bucket List," where characters were terminally ill and decided to live out their last days doing things they always wanted to try. Don't wait until it's your turn. If you have a desire and it's not hurting anyone, try to achieve it.

12-What would I like to learn if I had the resources and time?

Life is a lesson. Education is something no one can take from you. If you have a drive and a dream you can go far.

13-Did I do anything this past year to give back?

You're not on this earth alone. Look around you, volunteer, or offer assistance to a neighbor who is having difficulties. By opening your heart, you'll receive only positive energy in return. If you're blessed with a good life but are still unhappy, maybe your self-evaluation will reveal a need to share your gifts in order to appreciate them. "Pass it on," is an idea that you do something good for someone and they in return will do something good for someone else and that person will continue the chain.

This self-evaluation has no right or wrong answers. The purpose is to get you thinking in 2009 about your life and the people in it. Time is passing and the grains of sand have already started to fall for another year. 2009 may indeed be the year you affect positive changes for yourself and others.