Opinion

Sigh. Stress and strain will simply be a part of your life, whether you like it or not. Are you the type who improves under pressure, or do you feel like a 10-pound weight is on your shoulders when you are under pressure?

Do you ever find yourself wrestling with feelings toward someone in your life? If there was a troubling person in your past, what would you like to say to them now? Perhaps a parent neglected you. A friend may have betrayed you at some point.

Have you noticed how some friends make you feel boring, drab, and dry, while others make you feel interesting, entertaining, and engaging? They say the best part of procrastination is that you are never bored—you are always panicked at the last second. But seriously, in the company of some friends, your mind quickly fills with stories and jokes. With others, you experience yourself as dull and dreary, lacking excitement.

Do you actually appreciate small things in your life? Which ones? The quiet, undramatic walk with your best friend? The first sip of coffee in the morning before reality hits? That cozy little afternoon nap? I know. You already want to take a nap tomorrow. Believe it or not, these matter more than you may think.

Do you know what motivates most of your behavior? Could it be that some of your actions and attitudes are ego-driven? Are you aware of when they emanate from your higher self? Are you even in touch with the essence of who you truly are?

Do you sometimes feel haunted by the idea that you are a bit of a dud or disappointment in some ways? Your inner critic works overtime telling you that you are a non-achiever or simply no good. Your inner commentator will disregard any evidence to the contrary. No matter how much you accomplish, that voice will keep returning to the same old theme. Your inner critic may be a world champion, disregarding all evidence of your goodness and insisting that you are simply not good enough.