Check-In With Yourself: 8 Questions to Reclaim Your Calm | Survive and Thrive 🌿

Reclaiming Your Peace: Reflecting on Survival Mode

Life can sometimes feel like a race where everyone else is gliding through effortlessly, while you’re pausing at every step, just trying to breathe. But what if you took a moment to ask yourself some honest questions—questions that help you understand where you are and what you need?

1. How Are You Really Feeling Right Now?

When was the last time you paused to check in with yourself?

  • Do you wake up not knowing how you’ll feel that day?
  • Are small tasks—like brushing your teeth or making breakfast—feeling heavier than usual?
  • Are you finding it hard to laugh or enjoy things you used to love?

Take a moment to acknowledge your answer without judgment. Just noticing where you are is the first step toward understanding your needs.

2. Do You Feel Like You’ve Lost Trust in Yourself?

When survival mode takes over, it can feel like you’ve lost your internal compass.

  • Do you second-guess your decisions or question your memories?
  • Are you finding it hard to trust your instincts or even know what you need?
  • Does the idea of making a decision feel overwhelming?

Losing touch with your instincts doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s a sign that you’ve been carrying more than your share for too long.

3. Are You Learning as You Go?

Some people move through life without needing to think too much about how they do things. But what if your strength lies in figuring things out step by step—even when you get things wrong?

  • Have you noticed that your progress comes from trial and error rather than a straight path?
  • Do you feel like you’re running a race where you have to stop at every water station just to check you’re okay?

Survival mode forces you to adapt, adjust, and keep going. Those pauses aren’t weaknesses—they’re proof of your resilience.

4. How Do You Respond to “Helpful” Advice?

When someone says, “Just trust your gut” or “You’ve got this!”, how do you feel?

  • Does their advice feel dismissive or like pressure to “just get on with it”?
  • Do you wish they would stop telling you where you “should” be and meet you where you are?
  • Have you noticed that sometimes their words make you feel more isolated instead of supported?

True support isn’t about standing at the finish line giving instructions—it’s about walking alongside someone at their own pace.

5. Do You Have a Safe Space to Talk?

Everyone needs someone they can call on without fear of being judged.

  • Is there someone you can turn to who will listen without trying to “fix” you?
  • Do you feel safe enough to offload your thoughts and feelings, knowing they’ll be received with understanding?

Sometimes, we just need someone to hold space for us—to listen, to validate, and to remind us that we’re not alone.

6. What Signs of Progress Can You See?

Progress isn’t always loud or obvious—it’s often found in quiet moments.

  • Have you noticed yourself sharing your thoughts and feelings more, even after difficult moments?
  • Are you starting to reach out during tough times instead of after they’ve passed?
  • Have you caught yourself enjoying small moments—like a song, a smile, or a breath of fresh air?

These moments, however small, are signs that you’re finding your way back to balance.

7. Are You Listening to What Your Body Is Telling You?

Your body sends signals when you’re carrying too much, but it’s easy to ignore them when you’re used to pushing through.

  • Are you feeling physical signs of exhaustion—like tension, headaches, or fatigue?
  • Do you feel emotionally drained or stuck in cycles of overthinking?

Ignoring these signs can prolong your struggle. But when you listen to your body and honour its needs—whether it’s rest, boundaries, or letting yourself feel—you create space for healing.

8. What Would It Look Like to Live in the Moment?

Living in the moment doesn’t mean ignoring the future—it means focusing on what you can handle today.

  • What’s one small thing you can focus on right now?
  • Can you take a pause, even for a few minutes, to breathe and reset?

The present moment can feel like a place of calm in the middle of chaos. You don’t need to solve everything today—just take it step by step.

Final Thought: What Do You Need Right Now?

If things feel heavy today, remember that you’re not alone. Survival mode is a valid place to be—but you don’t have to stay there forever.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I need to feel more grounded?
  • Who can I reach out to for support?
  • What small step can I take today, just for me?

You deserve a life that feels like your life. One breath, one pause, one step at a time.