It’s so easy to get into a routine of everyday habits that really aren’t moving you toward what is most important to you.

I love asking the question “What is your legacy that you want to leave behind when you leave this earth?“.

Now, when I say that, I’m not meaning in the form of money. I’m more interested in things like;

• Did others know you loved them?
• What actions were you taking toward being the best you can be…whatever that is?
• Are you proud of what you are trying to accomplish for yourself?

So, as I thought about this, I wanted to give you a quick list of items and/or questions that might help you think about this as we end another year.

Are you looking for the good? Do you notice the good things that happen out there, or are you looking for the crappy things? Work hard to notice those things that happen that are great. Things like others’ doing something for someone else that may or may not have a huge impact, yet does make the other person feel good.

Do you tell your family/friends that you care about them? Easier said than done, I know! However, by stepping out and letting them know that you appreciate them, it can make your life a lot better. I especially think about our caregivers. Do you let them know how important they are to you and your life?

Do you put time into what matters? I realize that we don’t always know what we want to do to keep moving forward. This can weigh heavily on you. But if you will take time each morning, afternoon, or evening, and think about this specifically, then it will begin to manifest for you. Things will begin “Popping Up” that have no rhyme or reason to them. Thoughts and ideas will begin to manifest their way into your own thinking and you will begin to see what you want to do. The key here is putting some time into it.

Are you encouraging others? Send someone a text, or give a call to someone that needs a little encouragement. I know it can be hard to do as we get into our own routines, but it will help us know we are doing the right thing. So many people need to know that they matter in this world we live in. After a stroke, many of us go through troubled times, and don’t want to reach out to anyone, for fear of getting judged ourselves. This is a mistake. Choose to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Choose to be the person that leads this connection of friends.

One more thing Keith,

You are important!

Remember…you too are important. There is a long list of things you have done, learned, helped others do, achieved and contributed to. Please don’t forget. Write them down if you need to.

I know it can be hard after a stroke to re-invent ourselves. It takes time, energy, thought, self-love…all of that. But, it is worth it to work on yourself.

The next thing you know, you will be feeling life connect again. Take some time to work on this. The more you work toward understanding and practicing these ideas the more you will feel the importance of who you are.