I received an email from a friend when I sent her my revised poem/mission statement about second chances.

She said she wondered if she were completing her mission or is she was squandering her life. I have thought the same thing. Am I honoring my second chance or wasting it? I decided to measure my goal of honoring here for a reason I needed a check in to track my progress. What better way than an end of day meditation/reflection?

It’s a great practice to have gratitude. As I end the day, I can note the things I am grateful for. During that reflection, I can have a check-in. Did I do anything that day to honor here for a reason? It doesn’t have to be a grand or dramatic gesture or act. Did I smile at a homeless person? Giving them a dollar doesn’t change their circumstances, but a smile and a dollar may let them feel seen, cared about even for a brief second. Was I less reactive when a co-worker, friend or family member didn’t see it my way? Was I open and supportive when someone reached out to me? Did I make someone’s day better in any way? If yes to any of these questions, then I didn’t squander that day.

I think in this world of negative messages, and self doubt a gratitude check-in and reminder that you had successes that day is a great way to hit the pillow. One day at a time as they say.