I truly believe that “an unexamined life is not worth living”. It is so easy every day to go about your business without stopping to assess your life. You are so busy and there are so many people depending on you, you don’t have time to waste; yet, it is not wasted time. What would be a pity is the realization that you could have made a positive change but because you never took the time to examine your life, you missed several golden opportunities to do so.

It is a myth to think that the only people who exam their lives are depressed people. Successful people also examine their lives and perhaps it is one of the reasons why they are successful. Examining your life does not mean dwelling on your past and all the mistakes you have made. Examining your life is designed to help you make positive changes to live your best life possible. What worked when you were younger may not work as you get older. In fact with age comes wisdom and you realize that there are so many things you could have done differently; however, when you gain insight, you should use it to improve your life rather than beat yourself up with “if onlys”.  If only I had done this or if only I had not made that decision; instead, what you should get are learning experiences from your mistakes.

Hopefully the next time around, you won’t make the same mistake; yet, sometimes it takes a few trial and errors before you get the hang of it. At some point in life everyone hopefully realizes what is their own fundamental foundation of beliefs and values. While we are often influenced by our parents, our peers and society; there comes a point upon examination when you hopefully will decide what beliefs and values are truly your own.

I believe that if at all possible we should avoid conflict; however, that does not mean that I am naïve enough to believe that conflict does not exist. I also believe in the truth, although at times people make it so difficult for you to be honest with them. Try telling your best friend that what she did was wrong; she gets mad and yells that you are taking their side. Or tell your spouse he or she needs to lose weight; he or she gets so offended they don’t speak to you for days. I also love this quote, “the truth, you can’t handle the truth”. I will be the first to admit that I go on the offensive when someone confronts me with the truth; yet, I am also big enough to step back and look at the facts and admit that I was wrong. For in the end, it is all about self-improvement.

While many of us strive for perfection, the reality is no one is perfect; however, if you try to do the best that you can, while maintaining balance in all areas of your life, then I think you will ultimately live your best life.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: serveandrally (countryside in England)