Embracing Nightly Reflections for a Peaceful Sleep
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Loss
Hearing the words, “They have passed away,” can shatter your world in an instant, leaving you feeling lost and heartbroken. The pain of losing someone is profound, often leaving us grappling with unanswered questions. Death can occur due to various reasons—sometimes it's a natural end due to age, while at other times, it's unexpected.
A significant shift in my perspective came when I acknowledged how society often defines youth based on the expected lifespan. The common assumption is that death occurs later in life, but this isn't always true. For instance, a 20-year-old who dies at 30 isn't necessarily as youthful as we might think. Each day counts, regardless of whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or even 80s.
As Joan Rivers poignantly stated, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, which is why we call it the present.”
While living each day to the fullest may seem unrealistic, I strive to infuse purpose into my life by engaging in three reflective questions each night before I sleep.
Section 1.1: Reflecting on the Day
Question #1: What were the highlights of today?
Today, I discovered a charming children's book titled Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand. It tells the story of a South Asian girl who feels self-conscious about her facial hair after a comment from a friend. Laxmi's mother helps her embrace this unique trait by sharing that many women in their culture share similar features. By the end of the story, the children learn to appreciate their differences rather than hide them. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance.
Question #2: What would I like to improve for tomorrow?
As I reflect on the positive moments, I can't help but think of the areas I wish to enhance. Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling on your phone only to regret it later? I view tomorrow as a new opportunity—a clean slate to improve upon today’s actions. Instead of dwelling on guilt, I focus on making better choices moving forward.
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” — Dr. Seuss
Question #3: What are my intentions for prayer?
One of my colleagues mentioned that she needed to pause work to shower, pray, and then rest. I admire her commitment to her nightly routine, as it’s easy to get wrapped up in work until exhaustion kicks in. Life is too grand to keep bottled up in our minds. Engaging in prayer, meditation, and self-reflection can lighten that mental load, paving the way for a restful night.
“When I pray, something wonderful happens—not just to those I pray for, but also to me. I’m grateful to be heard.” — Maya Angelou
Chapter 2: The Importance of a Nightly Routine
Nightly routines come in various forms, whether it’s skincare rituals or enjoying a good book. For me, these three reflective questions have become integral to my nightly practice, setting the stage for a productive tomorrow.
The first video, “8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Go to Bed,” offers insightful prompts to help you unwind and reflect on your day.
The second video, “Parent Pillow Talk: Questions to Ask Before Bed,” provides additional perspectives on meaningful conversations to have at night.
What does your nightly routine entail? How does it prepare you for the day ahead?