I have found that when I’m frustrated, tired, and weighed down I need only to ask one question: Why am I still here?
Often the answer is this,”I shouldn’t be. Time to call it a day.” But there are other times, tired and frustrated as I may be, when the answer is something else. Sometimes there’s more work to be done, a deadline to be met. Sometimes there is a long row to hoe before I get to the really interesting work.
And sometimes, not often, but sometimes, when I realize that it’s time to throw in the towel, to call it quits.
Asking the question helps me to be more mindful of what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. If I lose site of what I want and need and am just doing work, then it’s time to quit. Over the years, and yes it’s taken years, I’ve gotten to the place where I can keep the “why” of the work foremost in my mind.
There have been times that I’ve changed directions. I can think of four life-changing moments where I took control, asked, “Why am I still here?” and then with new clarity I changed my course, packed up, and started a new phase of life.
It’s a dangerous question. Be careful and answer honestly. Big changes are possible. But it’s also possible that you’ll take a deep breath and get back to the work, knowing once again, why.
I dare you to ask and answer for yourself as I do now. Why are you still here?
Tags: change, life choices, mindfulness, why