What is Thinking Day? And why do I need it?

It was in college that I first heard the Socratic quote, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That seemed pretty extreme to me then, but now, as I’ve aged, I believe that an examined life is a biblical life. In January, I set aside time to think through the month, the highs and lows, to reflect on where I’d like to go next, and to thank God for all the blessings that He gave me through the month.

What is Thinking Day?

Thinking Day is simply an intentional time where you think through questions about what is important to you, what successes and challenges you’ve faced, and where you’d like to go next. And no, it doesn’t have to be a day. It could be an hour. It could be one question a day. There’s no right or wrong. It’s simply a way to stop and think.

The questions here are designed for big-picture, aerial-view reflection on life and work: Thinking Day

I’m going to change up the questions each month (or so!). If you’re interested in getting my February Thinking Day questions, comment in the box below.

Why do you need it?

The Psalms that we should search our hearts and souls. We are instructed in Lamentations to examine our ways and test them. Why are we called to do this? To see if we have the right spirit and to return to God because God loves us so and wants us with Him, holding His hand.

As an Achiever, one who depends more on self and less on the God of amazing grace, I tend to be more task-oriented than introspective. “What’s next?” seems to be my motto. But God calls us to a different pace: to one that asks us to look at the ourselves so we can see what needs confessing and what needs rejoicing. Because introspection is not natural to this girl, I’ve committed to setting aside a day each month to reflect back on my work, my life, and my people. And because distraction is my arch-enemy, I’ve created a list of questions to keep me focused. I hope this listing of questions helps you as much as it’s helped me to pause, to examine what’s working and what’s not, and to celebrate the wins (and you may be surprised by how many you have!).  Enjoy!