Have you ever been asked a question that makes you stop, literally, and think about your life and the direction it’s taken? A question so simple yet, surprisingly, you haven’t thought of it yourself? A few weeks ago, my mother-in-law came out here on a business trip and spent a couple of nights with us. It’s always wonderful to have her around; I’ve only met a few people who exude the same kind of warmth and affection. Since I got married, preparing the husband and stepson’s clothes to wear the following day has become part of my evening routine. (My husband claims I lost no time in terminating his long-standing “love affair” with his Korean drycleaner since I set foot in the US.) I was ironing in the room when the husband’s mom walked in and we immediately started chatting about anything and everything. I told her I prefer to do the ironing at night than in the morning when I can’t guarantee I’d be fully awake. Then she asked: “Do you like what you do?” Wow. There is so much gravity in that question. Actually, it opens up to a lot more questions like, “Are you happy with your life?” or “Is this what you want?” I guess they’re what you call reality check questions. Sometimes we get too caught up in the daily grind of living and working that we feel we don’t have the luxury to take a step back and ask ourselves if we’re happy with the state of things. “Yes, I actually love doing this for them,” I replied after a few seconds. There’s something uplifting in affirming the truths in our lives and that’s exactly how I felt the moment I said “Yes.” It’s amazing how people and events can change us. Almost a year ago all that I had to worry about was myself. I was free to come and go as I pleased. Having a family is a whole new ballgame. It takes a re-centering of one’s life to make room for loved ones – husband, wife, kids. Priorities change, sacrifices are made. You learn to be selfless. All of a sudden you’re happy not only because you’re doing something for yourself but because you’re doing something good for others, even if it's on a daily basis. So, do you like what you do?