Four Questions To Ask Yourself Every Morning
2020 has certainly been a crazy year, and there are still 3 months left! Is this the beginning of a major shift in life and economies or is it just a temporary derailment? No one knows for sure, which is part of the problem. Even the most level-headed amongst us are finding ourselves victims of mood swings and overactive minds. Of course this is nothing new. Even before 2020 we knew we lived in a culture that values hustle over rest and putting on appearances over true happiness. Social media makes us all “on” all the time, showing our best lives and not letting anyone see us slipping while we spend sleepless nights full of worry and overthinking.
Even those who are looking for a positive spin and are using the sudden upheavals of 2020 to spark a new life, a new goal like a phoenix rising from the ashes, can get lost in the chaotic inner wars of what do they want versus what they think they want. How much change can this time really foster? And how much change do they even want? But here is a little secret. There will never be true joy and peace in your life if you allow yourself to internalize the external expectations from society. You must find what will truly bring you joy and let that be your path. Furthermore, you must learn to think and find what that true joy and purpose even is for you, which is no easy task. No weight loss or high paying job or relationship can save you alone. There will always be a void if you do not take the time to explore your true passions.
While finding your meaning of life is not an overnight fix, or even something that could be found alone over quarantine, we can offer you some advice on how to get there. We have already touched on this concept often in our mindfulness exercises here and here. We encourage you to review our past techniques, but today we will be offering a tip on how to start each day with a clear head to better help you achieve your daily goals as well as your long term goals. You will do this by asking yourself four questions every morning. This can be done when your mind is still soft from sleep or on your morning commute. The place isn't important as much as your attention is.
Question 1 - What do I need to let go of right now?
What is stressing you out as soon as you wake up? This is the thing that was bothering you before you went to bed and when you woke, maybe you were peaceful for 5 minutes before you remembered that issue one more time and all the emotions came flooding back into your mind.
Question 2 - What can I control of that thing?
Now what can you control and what can you not about the above issue? Likely, there are many things you cannot control but there are always some things you can. So, focus on those tasks you can control and let the rest of the issue fade away from your mind.
Question 3 - What do you need in order to let go?
Now that you have identified a troubling issue and what you can change, it is time to focus on what you cannot change. Those things that you cannot change, you also do not need to worry about. Anything outside of your power, worrying about it is just wasted energy. Let these concerns slip from your mind, if they return throughout the day, gently remind yourself that these are the things you have no control over and give yourself grace.
Question 4 - What are you grateful for?
Pretty much the exact opposite of the first three questions, what is the thing(s) in your life that brings you joy no matter what. We are not looking for poetry here, just a simple answer is fine. Many of these things you are grateful for are brought into your life consciously but most of these things are here subconsciously. We say subconsciously because it is from your attitude towards life. As you learn to accept your life and your surroundings with the above three questions framing them, the more you will have to be grateful for because you will be making room for positive things to enter your life and mind. There is a limit to our mental capacities and if we fill the mind with worry and overthinking we will never have room for the positive things. Note that this can also double with your gratitude journaling, if you do that. Make note of when you are asking yourself these questions and see how your gratitude lists change and expand.
What are you grateful for? Reach out to us at info@bullionite.com with your questions and comments.