12 Questions That Will Change Your Life

12 Questions That Will Change Your Life

1. How do I spend my alone time?
Do you rely on your old standbys like walking the dog, gardening, shopping to comfort, satisfy and give you a strong sense of self . If you always stick with the same-old same-old, you'll probably find yourself feeling bored and uninspired; it's like wearing the same pair of pants for 30 years. Walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly curious and challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love — what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show? Prepare to be surprised.

2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs?
Do you listen when it tells you that you're working too hard, drinking too much wine, or letting your arm muscles go as weak as a little old lady's? Just think how much you could benefit from treating your body and doing something beneficial to feel healthy

3. To whom am I grateful?
Think of the teacher who coaxed you to express your opinions, the aunt who advised you to fearlessly try new things, the boss who gave you days off to deal with a personal problem. Recall their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit. Realizing how many people you're grateful to, and for what, can totally alter your outlook!

4. Do I compare my life to other people's?
If you expend too many brain cells stacking your life up against others' lives — your kids vs. their kids, your kitchen vs. their kitchen — it's time to free yourself from that keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mind-set. Otherwise, all you're learning is what the Joneses want. When you see them driving around town, are they always laughing and happy? Nope. Sometimes, if you look closely, you'll see Mrs. Jones staring out the window glumly — because she's wondering if her family measures up to the Smiths.

5. Do I spend money on things that speak to my soul?
Can you devote a small amount — say, $10 a month — to something you care about, whether it's a charity that means a lot to you or saving to buy yourself a piece of art?

6. What do I see when I look in the mirror each morning?
If you've been known to occasionally wrinkle up your nose at the little imperfections you see, or at your choice of today's outfit, what if you just gave yourself a great big smile each day instead? Well, for starters, you might find more joy in getting dressed and have more fun wearing your favorite color.

7. Have I figured out a way to handle the less-than-perfect relationships in my life?
Do you yearn for some people to just get it together? Or do you keep trying — and failing — to "fix" them? Maybe it's time to accept that your sister-in-law/boss/best friend are who they are, warts and all — and decide how they fit into your life (or don't) "as is."

8. Do I have faith in something bigger than I am, whether it's God or some other spiritual form?That feeling of awe you get when contemplating a higher spirit — be it God, Buddha, or Mother Nature — brings you out of yourself. We are all connected by something greater than us. Whether you meditate or pray or walk by the river, these moments can help you explore what you find wondrous in life.

9. What positive things do I bring to relationships with my husband, my kids, my friends?
Your sense of humor? Your sage advice? Your habit of baking the world's best brownies for a loved one who's in the dumps? Being aware of what you bring to the party helps you go easier on yourself when you hit inevitable rough moments in your relationships.

10. Is there a space in my home to do the things I love like paint, practice yoga, play cards with friends, quilt?
If not, why not make the room for it now?

11. How many hours a week do I spend on my computer, my TV, my BlackBerry?
If the number sounds high to you, resolve to reduce your screen time next week, and see how it feels not to be in your usual chair at the usual time. See how you use — how you live — those hours instead.

12. Do I feel older or younger than my years? How often do I feel good about being exactly the age I am?
No matter how many birthdays you've racked up, remember this: You can tap in to your potential at any age. You can get and keep your body fit. You can seek out new thrills so you feel as excited as a kid, if you like. You'll also see that age is, indeed, just a number. And you'll free yourself up to ask the most important question of all: How will I live this life that's been given to me?