Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Not So Great at Reflecting



I've been listening to a podcast over the last few weeks.

"The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman.

I give my oldest daughter credit for the suggestion.

(She likes the acknowledgement.)

Emily's voice is soothing and easy to listen to.

And.

I like her outlook on life.

She said in a recent episode.

(I'm paraphrasing.)

"It's important to reflect on the things that happen to you.

And.

It's in that reflection. 

That you have a better chance of making sense of it.

Consider how it impacted you.

Gain some perspective.

And hopefully.

Through that reflection.

We can learn.

 And move forward."


As the title of this blog suggests.

I've done very little reflecting.

Especially in this last year.

Plenty has happened in my life.

Just as I'm sure it has in yours.

I walked through my dad's terminal illness.

And sat with him as he took his last breath.

Other things don't seem as important.

But they were still my experiences.

Downsizing a lifetime of possessions and moving into a new home.

Beginning retirement.


I see the benefit.

Of not just walking through my life experiences and plowing ahead.

But actually taking the time to think them through.

For me, reflection comes easiest by journaling.

Writing down.

Seeing my words on paper.

Taking some time to consider what happened.

Making sense of it.

When that's possible.

More time reflecting.


That's on my list of things to do.