Creative Space with Jennifer Logue

The Rocking Chair Test: A Visualization to Clarify What Really Matters

Jennifer Logue

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0:00 | 6:55

In this solo episode of Creative Space, I guide you through one of my favorite exercises to help you reconnect with your deepest values: the Rocking Chair Test.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about a decision, this simple but powerful visualization will help you cut through the noise and tune in to what truly matters. It’s something I use with coaching clients often—and return to myself whenever I need clarity.

All you need is a quiet space, a few minutes, and a willingness to listen to the voice of your older, wiser self.

Let’s take a breath, slow down, and come back to what matters most.

And if you're curious about coaching, I’d love to offer you a free 30-minute discovery call to see if coaching might help you get even more clarity. Book here.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 — Introduction
 0:45 — What Is the Rocking Chair Test?
 1:26 — Guided Visualization: Picture Yourself at 90
 3:10 — Reflection Prompts: Pride, Regret, Values, and Relationships
 4:45 — Bringing Wisdom to a Present-Day Decision
 5:41 — Why This Exercise Matters (and How I Use It with Clients)
 6:20 — Invitation to Reflect Further (and Connect for Coaching)
 7:00 — Final Thoughts and Thank You

Jennifer Logue

Hello and welcome back to Creative Space , a podcast where we explore and grow in creativity and in life together . I'm Jennifer Logue , a creative coach , writer and musician , and I'm so glad you're here Today . I want to do something a little different . It's something I often do with my coaching clients . It's a simple but powerful visualization exercise called the rocking chair test . If you've been feeling stuck , unsure about a decision or wondering what really matters most to you , I think you'll find this really helpful . If you're somewhere safe and comfortable right now , I invite you to really lean in . If you can close your eyes Now , if you're driving or busy , save this episode for later . You'll want to be somewhere you can really focus a quiet , safe space . So let's start by taking a few deep breaths together Inhale , exhale Again , breathe in deeply and slowly let it out . Let yourself relax , let your shoulders drop , settle in Now .

Jennifer Logue

Imagine it's many years from now . You're 90 years old , sitting in a comfortable rocking chair on the porch of your favorite place . It's a peaceful day . Feel the gentle breeze on your face . Notice the sounds around you . Breeze on your face . Notice the sounds around you . Let yourself really be there . Feel how content , wise and at ease you are in this moment .

Jennifer Logue

As you sit there looking back over over your life , ask yourself what am I most proud of ? Think about that for a second . Looking back over your life , what moments or achievements stand out as most meaningful ? Who are the people who mattered most to you ? How did you show up for them ? What values guided your decisions ? Are there things you wish you had done more of ? What comes up for you ? Are there things you wish you did less of ? Looking over your life at 90 years old , are there any regrets ? Anything you wish you tried ? Just notice what comes up . No judgment , no need to fix anything here . Just simply listen to your older , wiser self . Now gently bring your attention to your life today . Think about a decision you're facing , something you've been turning over in your mind , big or small , from the perspective of your 90-year-old self . Ask what advice would I give myself about this decision ? What advice would your 90-year-old self give you in this present moment about this decision ? Which choice aligns best with the life I want to look back on with joy and peace about what really matters .

Jennifer Logue

When you're ready , take another slow breath , slowly , bring your awareness back to the present moment . If your eyes are closed , you can open them . Take a moment , if you can , to jot down anything that stood out for you , any insights , any feelings , anything you don't want to forget . I know this exercise can be very emotional . It's simple but it's powerful , and it's one I return to often myself , because it cuts through the noise . It helps us remember what actually matters , beyond fear or perfectionism or the expectations we've picked up along the way .

Jennifer Logue

If this exercise brought something up for you and you want to explore it further with someone who gets it , I'd love to help . This is exactly the kind of work I do with my coaching clients . If you're curious about working together , I offer complimentary discovery calls , no pressure , just a conversation to see if working together feels like a good fit for the both of us . You can book yours at the link in the show notes . Thank you so much for spending this time with me today . If you found this helpful , please make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss future episodes , and if you know someone who might need this exercise the rocking chair test feel free to share it with them . Until next time , keep dreaming , keep exploring and keep listening to that voice inside of you that knows what truly matters . Take care , thank you .