I was thinking about my day after I turned out the light tonight. I always ask myself these questions and thought I would share my thoughts with you to plant the seed of what life is about.

While I lay in the dark waiting for Sleep to come I asked myself: Where did I have joy today? What did I do that was fulfilling? Did I do something I am not pleased about? Can I fix it? Overall, what did I trade a day of my life for? What did I do with this wonderful gift?

I’m going to share with you the thoughts of last night so you can get a picture of how this daily review works for me. Hopefully you will think it is worthwhile doing also.

Where did I find joy?

It was mostly an alone day. There was joy in just being with me. I welcomed the little squirrel that is by my door every morning waiting for me to feed her and the 11 others she brings with her.

I talked with the checkout woman at the grocery store about hair styles. It made me think of my mother and her having extended conversations with strangers.

Baxter the cat sat on my lap while I sat at my desk. He is an aloof cat so for him to condescend to sit on my lap is a gift.

What did I do that was fulfilling? 

I read a book for hours.

I visited with a daughter I hadn’t seen all week. Anything with Family is fulfilling for me.

Did I do something I am not pleased about? Can I fix it?

Actually I didn’t do anything I am not pleased about. Maybe that is one of the perks of an alone day.

What did I trade a day of my life for?  

The freedom to do nothing. 

These things seem small and insignificant as I read them. But most of life is filled with small occurrences, small things we generally miss, that we let slip away without even noticing. How much of our life do we not even see let alone remember?

Most of us take life for granted. We act like it will last forever. It won’t. Let’s appreciate each day mindfully.

Something more about… A Simple Practice to Help You Notice What Matters

If you’re caring for someone at the end of life and want to be more present, By Your Side: A Guide for Caring for the Dying at Home can help you create meaningful moments and ease the uncertainty of the journey. There is a chapter that specifically addresses self care for the caregiver. 

Originally Published on https://bkbooks.com/blogs/something-to-think-about

Barbara Karnes Registered Nurse

Barbara Karnes, RN Award Winning End of Life Educator, Award Winning Nurse, NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award Winner 2018 & 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year

While at the bedside of hundreds of people during the dying process, Hospice Pioneer Barbara Karnes noticed that each death was following a near identical script. Each person was going through the stages of death in almost the same manner and most families came to her with similar questions. These realizations led Barbara to sit down and write Gone From My Sight, "The Little Blue Book" that changed the hospice industry.