"من الصحي بين الحين والآخر أن تضع علامة استفهام على الأمور التي كنت تعتبرها أمرا مسلما به منذ فترة طويلة"

Ever had one of those moments where you stop and think, “Wait, why do I do this?” That’s the essence of the quote. It’s about questioning the routines, beliefs, and norms that we’ve accepted without a second thought. We often go on autopilot, following the same patterns just because that’s how it’s always been. But every now and then, it’s crucial to hit pause and wonder why.

Let's add some context. This idea has its roots in the philosophy of skepticism, which dates back to ancient Greece. Philosophers like Socrates, who famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” encouraged people to challenge their assumptions and seek truth through questioning. It’s not about doubting everything to the point of paranoia, but rather maintaining a healthy curiosity about the world around us and our place in it.

Imagine you're stuck in a job you don’t love. You've been there for years, and at some point, you stopped thinking about whether it actually makes you happy. It’s just your job—it pays the bills, and that’s that. But what if you took a moment to question this? Maybe you’d discover new passions or decide to pick up a new skill. I had a friend who did just that. She had been working in corporate marketing for over a decade. One day, she randomly decided to take a pottery class. That small act of questioning her routine led her to a whole new career as an artisan, and she’s never been happier.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. Think about one thing you do regularly and ask yourself why. It could be something as minor as your morning routine or as significant as your career path. The goal isn’t to create chaos or insecurity but to open up possibilities. You might realize that some habits are worth keeping, while others need a change.

Let’s drift into another scenario. Picture a family that has always celebrated holidays in the same way. They gather, eat the same meals, play the same games, and share the same stories. One year, someone suggests a twist—maybe volunteering at a local shelter instead. At first, there’s resistance. Change is uncomfortable. But as they go through with the new plan, they find a deeper sense of togetherness and purpose. This change comes from questioning what they’ve always done and seeing if there’s a better way.

Being comfortable with questioning doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your life constantly. It’s more about being open to the idea that things can always improve and that you have the power to make those changes. It’s like a mental spring cleaning—dusting off the cobwebs of complacency and letting in fresh air.

In the end, it’s all about growth. When you question what you’ve taken for granted, you give yourself the opportunity to evolve. It’s a bit like pruning a plant. You cut away the old, dead parts to make room for new growth. So, go ahead—hang that question mark and see where it leads you. You might be surprised at the positive change it brings.