How are you doing these days? Today I feel the need for a personal check-up. One would think that since I spent years as a counselor I would stay on top of these things but truthfully, I get bogged down just like everybody else. As I examine myself and force my vision to focus in on the uglier things, it’s not fun. Maybe it’s time for you to do an assessment for yourself too. Sometimes I’m listening to someone spewing out all their resentments and hurts and I think to myself how much better off they would be if they would only let it go. Then, while pointing that finger, I have to see those three fingers pointing back at myself. It’s so easy to identify dark issues in others, but when it comes to ourselves we are full of defenses.
Since we know how emotions affect our health, we need to do a self-evaluation on a regular basis. How do I define regular? At whatever interval keeps you in a state of peace with God, yourself and most others. You maybe wondering how to do that assessment. The other day I heard someone on the radio say, “What is deep within you that you know, but you won’t allow yourself to recognize that you know it?” Interesting question. I began to ask myself that, asking God as well, and really soul searching for the answer. The result was that I dredged up some emotions that had been eating on me, but I was avoiding dealing with them.
Here are a few questions to guide your introspection: (Honesty with yourself is mandatory)
- Who have I not forgiven fully? And why haven’t I let go of it by now?
- What is the real reason for my irritation or frustration in some identified area?
- When I’m sleepless or stressed, what is the bottom line reason?
- What am I afraid of?
- Am I eating healthy? Am I getting enough exercise to be healthy? Why not?
- If I could do anything I wanted today, I would _______________
- What is the real reason I’m not doing that now or planning for it?
- Am I continuing to dream and/or set goals for myself? Why not?
- How am I my worst enemy? What are 3 steps I could take to change that?
- Have I spent time with God to invite Him to help me with these issues? Why not?
These are only a few guiding questions, but they do assist me in identifying where I am losing ground and why. It takes some brutal honesty because if you blame others or money or even God, more honesty is needed.
Remember that we are body, soul and spirit. When one part is ailing, the other two suffer as well. I’m writing this to remind myself. I’m in a season of being a caregiver which drains my energy. Therefore, I must make an intentional effort to keep body, soul and spirit balanced and as healthy as possible. It doesn’t just happen on its own. I must humble myself before God and others to admit I’m not superwoman or super-Christian and accept help and keep my eyes on the prize. I am fully aware that “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13