In my previous blog post, we discussed what to do when you’re struggling and need help. I listed multiple ideas and the last was to “assess your life” (or as I like to call it, do a life audit). I thought we should dive a little deeper into this and ensure you know exactly what I’m talking about and why it’s so important.
Everybody has the same things they have to do to survive – eat, drink, sleep, move and breathe. This stuff is non-negotiable, you just have to do it to live. Then there’s the other stuff which is also important to survive, but you won’t exactly die if you don’t do it – earn an income and learn. Lastly, there’s your stuff. “Your stuff” is what you spend your time doing, where you work, what you eat, how you move your body and this is usually where people get lost.
I want you to grab a piece of paper, or start a new note on your phone and answer the following questions. Remember, you’re the only person who is going to read the answers, so be honest.
♡ What do you love? Think about what you truly enjoy doing and what fills your soul. It can be anything. For me, I love helping other people. I love being able to help somebody feel happier, healthier and more confident in their life.
♡ What don’t you love? What would you happily never do, ever again in your life? Keep in mind the non-negotiables that I listed above, because you can’t list them here.
♡ What are your relationships like? When I say relationships, it doesn’t only mean your partner, I am referring to anybody who is a part of your life – your partner, friends, family, co-workers, neighbours. List anybody who you would spend more than a couple of hours with a month. Then, I’d like you to list whether that relationship is healthy or not.
♡ Do you enjoy what you do for work? We all have to work because we all need money to survive. It’s as simple as that. BUT, that doesn’t mean your work needs to suck. So, I want you to write down exactly how you feel about your job. Would you do it for free?
♡ What do you do for you? List any hobbies or activities that you do just for yourself. Just anything at all that you choose to do because you enjoy it. For example, I love to learn new things, so I am constantly studying, listening to podcasts, reading or watching documentaries. ♡ What is your financial situation? Okay, real talk. I want you to list all of your figures – savings, debts, goals. This should give you a very clear indication of your financial health. ♡ Do you nourish your body? I want you to write down everything that you do to nourish your body. Here are some of my examples, I drink a lot of water, I exercise multiple times a week, I do yoga daily, I eat healthily, I sleep as well as possible (this can always improve though thanks to my son!), I take supplements, I live a fairly toxic-free lifestyle (a work in progress).
♡ Do you move? I really hope that everybody has something to write here. Moving your body doesn’t have to mean the traditional or usual exercise such as running and going to the gym. It can be pole-dancing, cross-fit, circuits, swimming, yoga or pilates, it can be dancing around the lounge room with your kids.
By answering the above 8 questions, you should have a pretty clear idea on what is currently working well for you in your life and what isn’t. There are no “wrong” answers to these questions, but I do have a few more points to make before finishing this blog post off.
- Do more of what you love and less of what you don’t
- Say buh-bye to negative relationships and build your positive ones
- Find a job you enjoy!! It’s a complete myth that work needs to suck
- Find a hobby and do it just for YOU, it doesn’t need to make money and you don’t even need to be good at it
- Know your finances and have a plan for the future
- Nourish and move your body every single day
Don’t get me wrong, this is not your magic answer and won’t give you everything you need to create a happier and healthier life, but it’s a great start!
With love
Shorina xo
Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach
Hi, I'm Shorina and I'm an Australian Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach. I'm here to support you to redefine your relationship to self and life! I incorporate a mind, body and soul wellness approach to my work with a focus on healing and mindfulness ♡