The weekly commitments on my calendar serve as benchmarks in my week. I’m often surprised at how quickly the week passes and we are at another Thursday and blog post. The ticking of the clock and flipping of calendar pages is easier when I pause to remember and reflect on what is occurring in my life. If you read the post from two weeks ago, you’ll remember I wrote about reflecting and its usefulness.
Today, I’m following the lead of one of my favorite writers and will share three questions with you. Emily P. Freeman* writes a newsletter at the end of each month containing reflection questions for a look back at the month just past. Her questions help me savor memories and ponder what I have learned.
Here are three questions for you to ask about last month.
- What is true about your life right now?
- What have you been learning?
- What area sparked joy?
To help you in your reflection, I’ll share my answers. Sometimes an example is helpful, isn’t it?
- I think plenty of what we tell ourselves isn’t true. So, it helps to recall the actual facts about a situation and remember what is true. Right now, this is true in my life: my kids are taking a bath under the watch of my husband, I have a meatloaf pan soaking in the sink, I have been thinking about the ways I need to prepare for the arrival of our baby, I wasn’t much in the mood for writing, I’m thankful for my writing group that encourages me, the sun shone today, I saw God answer prayer today. Last month some things that were true: I spent time before lights out reading, Lent began and I started my break from social media, I taught in children’s church for the first time at my church, and I browsed and bought books at the Colby library book sale.
Your turn…what is true in your life right now?
2. I know I’m repeating myself, but I am learning the power of reflection. For me it’s a way to both treasure and glean from the days that have passed. Asking questions is key. I like to do this practice with a pen and journal in hand. Reflection feels powerful to me because I don’t have the best long-term memory. Looking back serves to cement memories in my mind (and journal) and guide me peacefully forward.
How about you… what are you learning?
3. One evening Joel and I sat down to watch a comedy show on our ipad. We laughed together and at one point it was the laugh-until-you-can’t- breath type of laughter. Sharing laughter with your spouse draws you together and is just plain fun! That night sparked joy!
And for you? What sparked joy?
Take a moment to look back and answer these questions. The end of the month comes so quickly. Relish a few moments of memories and reflection.
Happy March,
Kassie Joy
*You can find her writing and sign up for her newsletter at https://emilypfreeman.com. (This isn’t an affiliate link; I just like to spread the word about great creators!)
