One of the programs that my workplace offers to our hospice patients includes something called a life review. A life review is just as it sounds — a look back at one’s life through a series of thought-provoking questions. Since the program’s start, however, I’ve believed that this reflection process is something that should be done frequently — at all stages of life. I don’t want to have to wait until the end to try to remember what matters most or take inventory of my life. To that end, I found a webpage recently that posts 25 questions to ask yourself. And some of the questions are super hard. Here are the first ten, along with my brief answers. See if you can answer them for yourself. I’ll post the rest this weekend.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
A.) 26. I feel mature and self-sufficient, but young enough to enjoy being silly.

2. If you had the opportunity to get your message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
A.) Please be kind. How much better off would we all be if everyone had kindness as a shared priority?

3. Is it possible to lie without saying a word?
A.) Sure. If a cashier gives you too much change back and you knowingly take it and leave…that qualifies as a lie in my book. Your actions tell him/her that all is well. 

4. If not now, when?
A.) Depends. When am I going to take photos of our flowering trees (above)? Now. They’re in season. When am I going to start training for my next event? When I’m rested and it’s appropriate. Everything has its time. Some things don’t have to or can’t be dealt with now. Do what you can, when you can, with what you have. 

5. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
A.) Lately I’ve been allowing (forcing) myself to just be me without second-guessing myself or caring if others judge me. Which has been tough for me. I’ve always been a bit afraid of others thinking I’m weird. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve wondered if we are all unique in order to be of benefit to others. If we all offered each other the same things, there would be a lot of needs that would go unmet.

6. Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
A.) Yes. Specifically, past failures or shortcomings. 

7. Have you done anything lately worth remembering?
A.) Yes. This is a priority and a strength in our house. We make memories. And we do so regularly.

8. Who do you love? What are you doing about it?
A.) My boys. See #7. 

9. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?
A.) I have no idea what this question is asking. Guess I don’t have a lot of moral dilemmas in my life. 

10. Do you thinking crying is a sign of weakness or strength?
A.) Both. It takes guts to be vulnerable. But sometimes you need to put your big girl panties on and get on with life. Wisdom is in the timing.