"Life In A Word"

The Word Is: SATISFIED

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: pleased or content with what has been experienced or received

Posted 7/17/22

(Note: I wish it was, but this is not my kitchen)

With all the chaos and uncertainty in the world today, wouldn’t it be nice to find something to feel satisfied with at the end of your day? Going to sleep with a sense of satisfaction is a mindful action I highly recommend. It might even inspire sweet dreams.

My Story on Satisfied

I have a habit of never leaving anything out of place in my kitchen overnight. I fold the dish towels and put them neatly on my countertop. I position the small clay vase on my kitchen table, equidistant from left to right and head to foot. If there are papers on the table, I make one neat pile. Every chair is securely tucked under the kitchen table, and I would never leave a dish or pot in the sink overnight. Is this compulsive behavior? Not really, it takes less than a minute and I see it as more of a habit than anything else. I like to go to sleep knowing the kitchen is clean and neat. Do I do this in every room? Not necessarily, but because I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it provides me with a sense of satisfaction at the end of a long day.

STARTING your day feeling satisfied is just as important as ending it that way, which brings to mind the “four corner, bounce a quarter off the sheet bed-making ritual” the military carries out daily. I heard that by making a perfect bed, soldiers start their day having set the tone for success. Other explanations include the satisfaction of efficiency, uniformity, and teamwork. I'm going to emphasize it's a simple way of starting the day off with a feeling of satisfaction.

So let's review this for a minute. At the end of each day, I feel satisfied when I straighten up my kitchen. Some in the military feel satisfied at the beginning of their day after making their four-square bed. These are not big things. They are simply pieces of the day that deliver satisfaction.

What gives you a feeling of satisfaction? If you don't think you can come up with something I encourage you to engage in this short exercise. I do this with my 90-year-old mom all the time. I ask her to tell me three things she liked about her day. My mom will often say that she felt good after her physical therapy session because she's getting stronger. Sometimes she'll say she liked what she had for dinner. And often- times, she'll say that seeing me was something she liked most about her day. Satisfaction need not come from some grandiose event. It's the simple day-to-day pieces that can satisfy. Our job is to draw them out. I truly believe if you try this exercise, no matter how bad your day might have been, revisiting the good stuff will make a difference and maybe even set the tone for the next day.

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If you or someone you know is having a hard time finding satisfaction either at the beginning of or at the end of the day, it might be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you’ll reach out to me. I offer a free one-hour consultation. To schedule an appointment please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com