Dip Stick Check of engine oil
Do a Self-Check...Now

As I awoke in the middle of the night
A barking dog in the distance pierced the quiet
This thought came to me, and I muddled through it
Not quite awake or asleep in that land of in-between.

Is everything okay? What’s with the noise?
Do I need to get up and check on things,
Or will that unnecessarily stir it up?
Okay. Turn over, all is well, go back to sleep.

When busy days produce late nights
And running and doing is your latest call
How do you pause in the busyness and ensure
Your life, body, mind, spirit, and soul. Are all doing okay?

This morning, the thought is still with me.
I know the importance of checking the status of fluids in engines
So I’m pausing to do a self-check on myself.
After all, I make Monday my one day off.

Dreams are the scary places of your mind resorting itself
Sitting and walking upright gives tired muscles and bones a rest
Lying down, stretched out from toe to head, isometric movements
It takes the load off your bones – yes, they need rest.

Just as the oil dipstick needs to be periodically checked,
And your electronic devices can clean their memory core
Just by forcing a power-off reboot, turn it off and restart
We all need to unload, refill and refresh our lives.

Engines need rest, and so do I.
Instructions fade with time, so it’s good to check your memory
Am I good? Did I do it ok? Or, have the muddled process of
Life makes me accept something that’s not quite right.

I pause and look into yesterday. List it out, then verify
What did I eat, how did I spend my time, and what funds were expended?
Verify your mind. Right it down. Check it twice.
There! You’ve just done a self-check. Memory must be alright.

Muscle aches, memory loss, tired bones? Watch out!
That creates a lack of rest. Restoration time is necessary.
You need to decide if all you’re struggling with
Requires a doctor’s checkout. You know, you need to think that through.

There are doctors for the body, with many specialties galore.
But how do you check your emotions, your thinking processes
Even your memory. That’s something to consider.
It’s necessary to give yourself an edge. Make sure you’re okay.
Everywhere. All the time. Here. Now. Yesterday and tomorrow.

Spiritual check-ups are also in order.
As a song from years ago suggests, [Source]
You want to make sure you’re okay.
You always start on the inside.

This list can be lengthy. Relationships. Family. Friends.
Co-workers, Neighbors. Are you all doing okay?
My word of advice, it’s not too late to start.
It’s time to do a Self-Check. Do It Now.

By Michael Gurley

Making Sense of Life, One Thought at a Time!