Why You Should Review Your Life

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” - Socrates

I studied ancient philosophy my freshmen year of undergrad and so much of it has stuck with me. In particular, this phrase is spouted by so, so many, but I wonder often how many people who mention it really internalize the wisdom held within this phrase.

To be sure, this phrase was mentioned when Socrates was on trial and chose death over being exiled in a situation that would prevent him from continuing his intellectual pursuits, as pursuing intellect and wisdom through is philosophical method of logic was of highest importance in his life.

So. Knowing that, how can we apply this phrase and philosophy to our own life? I’ve seen many people apply it in such a way that continued self-examination, therapy, deep work is necessary to live their lives. I believe this is admirable, but a little beside the point. I believe the point is that we should first know what our passion is, our purpose for living, the thing that lights us up, and then live into THAT. I believe that floating through life without direction, intention, or positive motivation is akin to already being dead.

THAT is why I think it’s important to review our lives. I don’t think you need to spend every waking moment trying to figure out what’s wrong with you, what you need to fix, pouring over the past and painstakingly analyzing what the future could bring. I’ve tried that. Trust me, it’s exhausting and only produces anxiety and guilt in the end. At least, that was my experience.

I think you should review your life in a way that you can understand your values and go forward in a meaningful-to-you way. Everyone’s passions, purposes and values are different and so how everyone makes decisions about their lives and their experiences is different. That’s why I don’t work in a set formula and why I set my sessions to last between one and two hours with clients. Some people need the full two hours to think things out, to hear different perspectives, and bounce ideas back and forth. Some people do better thinking on their own (like me) and like to be sparked for inspiration in sessions and then come back to the next one to share discoveries and learn how to take their own work further.

So really why do I think you should review your life? Definitely because I don’t want you floating around already practically dead. But also because

I want you to feel a sense of purpose.

I want gratitude to come easily to you. I want you to feel present and open and aware of your precious existence each day and intentionally create your beautiful life into something that leaves your little corner of the world better than it was when you came into it. I want you to be real about your wisdom and what it is that you lack and be compassionate with others, knowing they’re just doing their best, too.

I want you to feel free to create and explore and love and ask and learn in the world and know that none of it is wasting your time because everything you choose is deliberate and intentional and in line with your values and the life you CHOOSE to live, not floating through and doing what you’re “supposed to do” and not just accepting what happens to you in this life.

Contact me with your thoughts or questions.

xo

Do thy worst…

… but not really! Let me explain.

I have the above pictured poem excerpt from John Dryden posted up in my bedroom and I contemplate it daily.

You see, I deal with anxiety. I get wrapped up in the future, in what’s left unfinished… to say the least… a LOT. So to healthfully cope with that, I’ve worked diligently to focus on my priorities, and further, make sure my priorities are what I truly value and not what I or others or society thinks I SHOULD value.

I need proper rest and to rise with true motivation in the morning, so I need to know that what I’m doing with my day is vital, is positive, is something I value. In doing this, I am able to fully claim each day as my own, knowing that when I go to bed, I’ve done my best. Now, I’m not perfect. Some things remain undone. Some things remain unsaid. That’s the ebb and flow of life. But the really vital stuff? The stuff that I can do and person I can be throughout the day to know I’ve not wasted away precious time? That’s what I focus on.

And so, with this quote, I am reminded to fully, really live each day. That I choose what I value, what my priorities are, and how I spend my time. That I may not always get it right, but I will surely try my best and each day keep going.

I wish for that for all of my clients.

xo