10 questions to ask yourself today

When keeping up with life's demands, it's a strange paradox that we lose sight of what we're working for: happiness. Start reflecting on your life satisfaction today. Evaluate what no longer works for you and make room for improvements in your career, relationships and overall well-being. Here are 10 questions to encourage you to strive for more bliss.

1. What do I appreciate today?
Count your blessings. "By appreciating what we already have, our need for more diminishes," says Katherine Gibson, life-management expert and author of Pause: Putting the Brakes on a Runaway Life (Insomniac Press, 2006). "Stop right now and write down 10 things you're grateful for. For example, today I woke up in a safe, warm bed. I had a shower, clean clothes and food to eat," suggests Gibson. Remember to take pleasure in the things that bring you joy each day.

2. Is my job satisfying?
Evaluate your level of happiness in the workplace on a scale of one to 10 (assigning a 10 for maximum satisfaction). If you rank your job satisfaction at anything less than a seven, you may need a career adjustment. We all have our bad days on the job, but it's important to enjoy your work. "Don't confuse skills with talents," notes Donna Smallin in her book Unclutter Your Mind: 500 Ways to Focus on What's Important (Storey, 2006). "If you do a job because that's what you know how to do and not because you want to do it, you are likely to be very unhappy."

3. Have I been kind to others today?
Altruism has a proven ability to heal and create happiness. "Kindness can affect us on many levels. Our serotonin levels actually increase by doing something good for someone else," says Gibson. "It also raises self-esteem." Good deeds operate like a chain reaction; when one person receives kindness they feel more willing to give it. Gibson notes that by doing something kind, you are acting as a role model to the world.

4. Have I been kind to myself today?
Treating yourself well may mean doing something as small as taking a stress-relieving warm bath. "Women are often socialized to meet the needs of other people first," notes Dr. David Posen, MD, stress consultant and author of The Little Book of Stress Relief (Key Porter, 2003). By taking a guilt-free break, you'll have more energy to devote to yourself and to your loved ones. Posen calls this balance between selflessness and selfishness "enlightened self-interest."

5. Did I learn something new today?
Gaining a new skill can enrich your life and bolster your self-esteem. "When we pause to learn new things, we enliven our days and increase our brain power," says Gibson. Try an activity that is opposite to what you usually do. For example, if you are the bookish type, try something physical, recommends Gibson. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and have fun.

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6. Can I make one healthy change to my life?
Since happiness comes from the inside out, make one change to benefit your health. Smallin recommends including 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. "Choose an exercise you enjoy and one that you can work into your schedule. Walking is ideal because it can be done anywhere, by just about anyone," she notes.

7. Do my routines serve me well?
So what if you haven't done any chores and you still haven't found the time to take that long walk you were planning? "Let go of making your bed every morning," says Cathy Yost, a certified professional life coach in Alberta. "Who's keeping score?"

Routines can enhance your life, but breaking free from schedules can be liberating and allow time for doing things you really enjoy. Posen suggests asking yourself, "Why am I doing house chores when I'd rather be outside? Identify and challenge your priorities," he adds, noting that stating your beliefs aloud can help you identify aspects of your routine that no longer serve you.

8. Have I taken time to do something I enjoy?
Between work demands, fetching groceries and running errands, life can feel like all work and no play. Posen suggests writing down the things you enjoyed in the past and start incorporating them into your life today. "Go public. Confide in those who are nearest and dearest to you about your aspirations and ask for encouragement," suggests Posen.

9. Do I feel happy within myself?
Inner happiness begins with self-respect. Learning how to say no to various demands will help you create space to do the things that make you happy. "Strengthening boundaries and personal standards will ask that people treat you with respect," says Yost. Although being distracted by external influences like planning that birthday party can be healthy in small doses, catering to the needs of others before your own can harm you and to those around you. "Women tend to try and control the external factors to achieve happiness," she says. "By believing in your own self worth, you will find happiness within."

10. Am I living in the moment?
Being present in the moment is a challenge that demands focus. "Ask yourself at regular intervals throughout the day: How am I feeling? What do I need? ... If you're stressed out, do some deep breathing," says Smallin. Deep breathing will help you centre your focus on the present and align you with your needs.

Most important, start asking yourself these questions today. One small life adjustment can create endless opportunities. It is never too late to make room for change.

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