what does your check engine light say?
I just returned from a long cross-country road trip—three days of tollways, quirky roadside hotels, new playlists, and searching for healthy food in unlikely places. When we finally pulled into the driveway at home, I felt relief. Not just because the trip was over, but because at no point did the dreaded check engine light pop on.
It got me thinking: our cars come with built-in warning systems. A light turns on when something’s not right—sometimes small (like washer fluid), sometimes major (like an engine issue). Either way, it forces us to pause, check, and often take action.
But what about our check engine lights?
In my coaching sessions this past week, many of you explored how you know when you’re “on track”—and just as importantly, when you’re not. Unlike cars, we don’t come pre-programmed with alerts. We need to create our own checklist to notice when we’re out of alignment with our values, goals and wellbeing—and when something might need attention.
That checklist could include questions like:
Relationships: Am I showing up in ways that support healthy connection, or am I slipping into old patterns that drain me?
Parenting: Am I supporting my child’s growth—or reacting from my own needs and fears?
Self-Care: Am I fueling myself with rest, nutrition, and movement, or am I running on overdrive until burnout hits?
When one of these “lights” flicks on, it’s not necessarily bad—it’s simply information. An invitation to pause, slow down, and see what adjustment is needed.
Just as mindful walking helps us notice each step, building in these self-checks keeps us grounded. And sometimes, as in yoga or breathing practices, the smallest shifts can restore energy and bring clarity.
So, I invite you this week: create your own check engine checklist. Write down 3–5 questions that help you know when you’re aligned with your values—and when something might need attention.
Remember, the light doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve been given a chance to notice, reflect, and recalibrate.
What’s your check engine light saying today?