Forgive me, I love corny jokes. I mentioned that I am in the middle of reading a book called Life is Good: The Book. I got to a part in the book last night that made me run to my calendar, and to write the question down, so that I could share it with you today. I think that this particular question is a fabulous question to ponder as we start the week out. It is certainly a wonderful question to ponder in the beginning of the year. The chapter of the book where this question comes from, is the chapter called “Simplicity.” The Jacobs brothers, who wrote the book and started the Life Is Good clothing company, are big believers in simplifying your life down to the most loved and useful essentials, in every category of your life. They say to reflect on each aspect of how you spend your time with this poignant question:
“What do you give to it, and what does it give back to you?“
When the Jacobs brothers pondered that question years ago, it made them cut out a great deal of time which they had previously spent on social media. In fact, they chose to step away completely from their email inboxes, asking their assistant to only bring the most pertinent of emails to their attention. What I love about this particular question, is that it forces me to really look at my life, and to see where I spend most of my time and my attention. It makes me ask myself, “Am I putting the majority of my time and my attention towards what I most value in life?” and “Am I getting justly rewarded for the activities/relationships/habits, etc. on which I spend most of my time, and my mind space, and my emotional energy?”
This is a squirmy question, isn’t it? This is one of those questions that begs us to be brutally honest with ourselves and sometimes, being honest with ourselves can be painful and upsetting. Still, the question is such a good question because it forces us to focus on what we really want out of life, instead of just acting out aimlessly and unconsciously. It helps us to “clean out the clutter”, so that moving forward, we are living the lives that are most meaningful to the deepest parts of ourselves, and our own life’s purpose. This is one of those questions that helps us to lead our lives without regrets.
“What do you give to “it” and what does “it” give back to you?”
I will always keep this question in my back pocket, for when I feel like my life is getting a little off track. Questions like these are perfect tools for journaling and for planning’s sake. Don’t use it as a shaming implement (or it will always remain dusty and ignored in your proverbial mental “tool box”). Use the question more so as a compass and as a navigation app, to make sure that you are headed towards your own personal north star. Have a great week!
Are you passing on love, or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
