A few days ago I purchased a new book to read during part of my morning quiet time. It was recommended by a fellow Celebrate Lit Blogging Team member, and the title really spoke to me: The Struggle is Real: Getting better at life, stronger in faith, and free from the stuff keeping you stuck. I was so tired of “stuff” keeping me stuck. If you are, too, the author is Nicole Unice. Check it out.
I wasn’t even through the introduction before I started underlining little gems. It seems Nicole and I have lots in common! So yesterday morning I sat across from my sweet husband as I took The Good Life Inventory. Ten statements to which I put a check mark if I agree or leave blank if I don’t.
___ 1. I am totally committed to knowing the truth about myself. I am not afraid to ask others around me to help me see blind spots or trouble areas in my life. (check mark)
___ 2. I have a peaceful and non anxious presence, both inside and out. (Hmmm. Not so much)
___ 3. Generally, I feel that my soul is untroubled and undisturbed. I have nothing to hide. (I wish!)
___ 4. I regularly and sincerely ask for forgiveness from my family, friends, and coworkers. (check mark—of course, my family and friends may disagree with this)
___ 5. I respect my own heart, body, and soul as something to be cherished. (check mark)
___ 6. I treat conflicting patterns of thinking and behavior in myself with gentleness. (I couldn’t in good conscience check this. I’m super hard on myself)
___ 7. I have a clear sense of purpose in my life. (Depends on the hour of the day)
___ 8. I have experienced deep compassion for someone who has hurt me. (Not!)
___ 9. I feel total freedom from my past hurts and regrets. (Wouldn’t that be nice?)
___ 10. I experience joy on a daily basis. (I wanted to check mark this one, but it would be a lie)
Then Nicole writes that she posted this inventory on Facebook and the average person (probably all women) checked two to four of these statements. I wondered how many Chris would check, so I interrupted his reading to share the inventory with him. We talked through each one and I realized that a man who compartmentalizes everything has a much better chance at check marking some of these statements. And it doesn’t hurt that he has a terrible memory! He checked seven.
“Seriously?” I said. “You’re much healthier spiritually than I am. The author says the average is two to four.”
“How many did you check?” He asked me.
“Three.”
“That makes sense, then. You fall right into the average category.”
“Since when have I ever been okay with average?” And thus the root of my type-A, competitive personality!
Nicole writes, Regardless of your number, I bet we’d agree that the people who answer yes to all ten statements would probably be pretty great people to be around (unless they’re lying or completely unaware of themselves, in which case they would be terrible to be around).
I’m curious to know how you score on The Good Life Inventory. If you’re anything like me, you probably need Nicole’s book! Let me know.
Comments 2
I checked 7. 😳 Am I being honest or deluding myself? I don’t know. I’m a optimist to the max.
Cor
Author
Hmmm. I think I am honest to the max, so I couldn’t in good conscience check more than three. But good for you!