The One Question That Changed How I Approach Self-Care

For years, I treated self-care like another item on my to-do list. I knew the advice: meditate, exercise, journal, switch off. But honestly, it often felt like more work. As a counsellor here in Brisbane, I was spending my days guiding others towards wellbeing, yet my own self-care felt forced and uninspired.

My turning point came during a particularly demanding week. I felt the familiar pull of professional fatigue and realised I was on the verge of giving the same advice I wasn't following myself. Instead of forcing another meditation session, I paused and asked myself a question I frequently use with clients—a cornerstone of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

That one question changed everything.

The "Miracle Question"

It's a surprisingly simple but profound tool. The question goes like this:

"Suppose that tonight, while you are sleeping, a miracle happens. The miracle is that the problem which brought you here is solved. However, because you are sleeping, you don't know that the miracle has happened. When you wake up tomorrow morning, what will be the first small things you will notice that will tell you the miracle has occurred?"

Why is this so effective? It bypasses the "problem-solving" part of our brain that gets stuck on obstacles and limitations. Instead, it invites us to imagine a preferred future. It connects us to a sense of hope and helps us identify tangible, concrete signs of what "better" actually looks and feels like.

Your 5-Minute Daily Self-Care Practice

'Discover the miracle question technique from a Brisbane-based PACFA registered counsellor. Simple daily practice for clarity and wellbeing'.

You don't need a crisis to use this. You can integrate it into your life in just five minutes a day to bring clarity and intention to your wellbeing.

• In the Morning (3 Minutes): Before you check your phone, ask yourself: "If a miracle happened and I woke up feeling truly well and capable today, what would be the first things I'd notice about myself and how I approach my day?" Would you feel calmer? Make a proper breakfast? Speak more kindly to your family? Just picture it.

• In the Evening (2 Minutes): Before sleep, reflect on your day and ask: "What small signs of that 'miracle morning' actually happened today, even just for a moment?" This helps you spot existing strengths and moments of progress you might otherwise have missed.

What This Looks Like in Practice

I recently worked with a client from the Logan area who felt completely overwhelmed. When I asked her the Miracle Question, she didn't describe a life with no problems. She simply said, "I'd wake up and not immediately dread opening the curtains."

That was our starting point. The very next day, she decided to make a cup of tea and sit outside for five minutes. It wasn't a complete miracle, but it was a small, tangible piece of it. That one change created the momentum for many others.

Your Next Step

True self-care isn't about adding more tasks; it's about connecting with what truly nurtures you. The Miracle Question is a powerful way to find that connection.

Want to go deeper with this technique?

Download my free 'Daily Miracle Questions' guide. It includes 30 unique prompts to help you apply this powerful SFBT tool to different areas of your personal and professional life.

[Click Here to Download Your Free Guide]