I believe that answering the big questions makes for an "examined life" that can lead to "conscious living." By living "consciously" you choose your values and beliefs and live by those that serve you best. In this way, you are walking your true to path to personal integrity and fulfillment. With conscious living, you can be the "master of your fate" rather than a hapless victims of circumstance, navigating through life without a map, a compass, or a destination.

The questions below will help you define what's really important to you, and may even help you decide what is lacking, and where improvement is needed. Spend some time with the questions below and write out the answers. Talk your answers over with a trusted friend or loved one, if your comfortable with that approach.

1. What is your life purpose? Are you here just to exist and then die, or have you chosen to live your life doing something that you consider important? How does your being here make a difference and what are you here to accomplish? Your purpose gives your life a sense of direction. Are you living your purpose?

2. What is your passion? Your purpose should align with your passion-something that always holds your interest; something of which you never tire. Are you living your life in a way that allows you to pursue your passion?

3. When you meet life's challenges, what is the source of your strength? Do you know how to access that strength when you want it?

4. Do you know how to comfort yourself and be a friend to yourself at all times, no matter what? When life becomes difficult to bear, what is your source of comfort? Is your source of comfort a healthy one? Is your source of comfort one that you find satisfying and fulfilling?

5. What are you doing to establish and maintain loving relationships with the people closest to you? Are you satisfied with your closest relationships? Are you satisfied with your behavior in those relationships? If you aren't happy with your relationships, how could you improve them?

6. How well do you manage stress? How do your coping skills rate when it comes to the stress of daily living? If your rating is low, how could you boost your abilities in stress management?

7. Do you have good health practices? Do you get good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep? If not, what changes could you make?

8. Is your work satisfying? Are you pursuing work that allows you to use your talents, and expand your skills and knowledge? Do you enjoy coming to work each day? If not, what would you rather be doing, and how could you get there?

9. Are you satisfied with your spiritual path? Does your spirituality give a larger, coherent perspective on living that strengthens you and inspires you? If not, what would make a difference for you in this regard?

10. What do you do to have a sense of inner peace? Do you have a practice or ritual that brings you moments of peace? Do you know how to access a peaceful frame of mind that can provide insulation from the chatter and noise and bustle of the world around you?

These questions can help you evaluate where your life is working and where it isn't.

Dr. Judith E. Pearson, owner of Motivational Strategies, Inc., is a licensed psychotherapist, counselor and coach practicing in Springfield, Virginia. She specializes in Solution-Oriented Counseling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Hypnotherapy. She is also a freelance writer and speaker. Learn more about her services at www.engagethepower.com.