I have given much thought to the value of taking a periodic inventory of one’s life, especially since I have written my goals for over fifteen years, and most I have achieved. But self-assessment presents more challenges; an honest view in one’s interior mirror is never easy. Yet, it is essential to actually reach aspirations and realize dreams.

Among the hard truths that surface for me one stood out – it seems that I have always looked at life itself as an entitlement, and thus, how I choose to view my use of time could stand some re-evaluation and scrutiny.

How much do I appreciate each moment I am privileged to live upon this earth? How grateful am I for every gift and lesson contained within each experience? And how much am I actually truly experiencing life – emotionally, with my heart, not just in my head?

The truth is that I do not relax enough, which may mean I do not give myself permission to relax, which may mean deep in my core that I do not feel that I deserve to relax. The same could be said of my relationship with joy; how much joy do I actually experience? And how much fun is built into my life on a moment-by-moment basis? And finally, how much richer would life be if lived more effortlessly, with more faith and trust in myself – as if it were really simply fun to be here as a miracle among the inexplicable miracles of life itself?

This is just the beginning of my inquiry regarding taking an inventory. How much gratitude do you feel? How much fun is your life? How do you really feel about you? What are you taking for granted? How do you feel about the way you spend your time? What are your real strengths, and on what parts of you do you need to shine the light?

Richard S. Jaffe, ACC, CPCC, JD.
http://www.acoachforchampions.com/