CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF

Recently, whilst listening to a podcast on "Anger Management," the reader repeatedly mentioned the need for and importance of 'Checking in with yourself" regularly.

By this he meant self-talk, self-evaluation, mindfulness!

My late father; Ahmed Khan Juma Khan - regularly talked to himself whilst solving puzzles or a mathematical equation or any other situation. What I noticed is that it guided him to solve issues analytically - step by step!

Even when faced with a social issue or domestic problem - he applied the same tact. And it worked!

I too have somewhat picked this habit ... gladly so!

So, when faced with a tricky design situation on the drawing pad I apply the same method. I talk myself to a solution. 

But there is immense strength and potential in developing this further to be applied to our lives in virtually all aspects of our daily interactions.

And these interactions need not be limited to design challenges or mathematical equations but even mundane daily hurdles we face with fellow colleagues or workers or staff - this can be very effectively used as a powerful tool within us as individuals.

We need to, in fact ought to - regularly "check-in-with-ourselves" even before a problem arises. 

Check our thought processes - are we brooding, over-thinking, plotting to sin, convincing ourselves that the inevitable will not happen? There are many lines of thoughts that often derail us from a positive life - and the solution? 

Try 'Checking in with ourselves!" 

I often repeatedly tell myself that I have thought enough of an issue and no further amount of thought or self-criticism or negative thinking will change the situation - and therefore no purpose nor gain to brood over it!

It has worked for me! And I am sure it will work for you too!

In addition to self-talk- I also regularly practice journaling gratitude. Everyday!

This is part of my self-talk. I practice gratitude for the big and the small blessings too. Even innocuous seeming aspects of our lives such as I have two functioning eyes and two functioning ears and I have my full body functions -- and by the way - THESE ARE NOT INNOCUOUS BLESSINGS! These are blessing many humans don't have in full - so every reason for us to be grateful.

Here is a picture guiding how to "Check-In":

Finally, as part of my "checking-in-with-myself" routine - I practice acknowledging God at every opportunity. My Muslim brothers and Sisters will understand this because it is clearly defined as "dhikr" in Islam - but it is significantly encouraged in all religions of the world.

God does not lose or gain power or glory by our acknowledgements or our prayers or our praises - far from it - it is us who benefit - because it puts us back on the rail leading to salvation!