The Gift of Reflection

My status yesterday was "JINX6543 is having motivation trouble today. Sometimes, I think it's okay to take a breather. "

Do we need time off to relax and enjoy our efforts? On days when we lack motivation, could it be our brain sending out signals that our body needs a break?

I know some people who go about this journey with hard-core values, believing that a day off could lead to more days off and ultimately, to failure. And that's okay too. We all need to do what works for us as individuals.

For me, a non-stop race to the finish is convoluted and tiresome. It wears me out. More than once I have quit this quest due to overload. I've learned it’s important to reflect during my journey, to realize my discoveries. There are times when I’m so busy going 100 miles an hour that I lack the ability to process this thing we call life.

My ability to recall things is terrible. My daughter swears she grabbed my memory receptors on her way out when she was born. If I don’t track today, there’s a good chance I won’t recall what I ate tomorrow. (I kid you not. And I know I’m not alone on this!) I’ve been this way for many years, so at age 45 (almost) I’ve learned to make modifications to ensure this memory lapse is not a hindrance for me, but rather, an attribute. For example, I live in the moment, enjoying small things as they occur and big things as if they may never happen again. If I didn’t, the details would escape me by morning. I reflect constantly so life does not pass me by.

“What’s your point, Tina?” the people beckon.

The point is that taking a break from your day-to-day activities gives you a chance to reflect on what’s important. It lets you slow down, perhaps prioritize those daily activities and really understand what’s going on right there in your very own life. Maybe you are so accustomed to your routine that you don’t realize some things are no longer a benefit to you. Maybe they need to be replaced with new habits.

I’m not against routines. I rely on them! Without them I would live my entire life off of a list. It would look something like this…

1) Wake up
2) Smile and thank God I’m alive
3) Go to bathroom
4) Wash hands
5) Drink coffee
6) Brush teeth
7) Go to bathroom again


You get the idea.


Routines help us perform tasks without putting much thought into them, which for the most part, is good. But beware “The Zombie Effect.” Don’t just go through the motions of your life. If you do, you’ll pass over the details. Be sure to breathe it all in. Give yourself the gift of reflection. You work hard and you deserve to give yourself a break. Don’t you?