Archive | Choice RSS feed for this section

Not All That

20 Jun

Everyone has their own opinions about everything in life.  We like some things, we don’t like other things, and everything we do is colored by how we feel about it.  We’re all different and even if we think our opinions are the right ones there will be others who believe the same about an opposing viewpoint.  There is no one right way to live.  We are all entitled to our own interpretations and beliefs.  We can live any way we choose but we are only in charge of our own lives and don’t have the authority to tell the rest of the human race how to live.  While our viewpoint may be perfect for us, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it will be perfect for everyone else.  And the same is true for each of us.  Opinions are unique to each individual and we don’t have to agree with everything others do.  We can respect their right to choose their own path and if it’s in direct opposition with ours, simply step out of the way.  Trying to control others or convince them our way is best may make us feel better but it won’t change the fact that we all get to make our own decisions.  The differences in life are what make it precious and exciting.  We can honor those differences and let others be who they want to be without demanding they be like us.  Variety brings interest and excitement and we can accept everyone for who they are and respect their right to choose.  There are endless possibilities around us and seeing the benefit of every unique blessing will bring us happiness and satisfaction as we move forward.

We may be very nice, friendly people but no matter what we do not everyone is going to like us.  Someone may tell us they don’t think much of us and we’re not all that.  It stings to know that others don’t like us but opinions belong only to those who possess them.  We need not internalize other people’s ideas or think we’re less because someone doesn’t understand us or doesn’t appreciate what we bring.  We can be confident in choosing well, and move forward knowing who we are and what we want.  We don’t need the approval of others to find success.  We are capable of finding it on our own and reaching any goal we desire.

Differences may bring conflict and when we’re trying to accomplish something and it goes against the views of those around us we may be pressed to conform to their ideas and let go of the path we’ve chosen.  We can always change course and if we want to join the group and follow along we certainly may.  But our choices are important and we can do anything we want to do.  If we must swim upstream, we are strong enough to get there.  We can choose the way forward even if nobody else agrees and we can find our own way.  Every dream is possible and nothing is beyond our reach.  We can forge our personal path and find success.

Today if others don’t agree with you and you’re left standing alone on the road you’ve chosen, be confident and continue ahead.  You know who you are and what you want.  You don’t need agreement to find success.  Move forward toward the goals you desire and trust your instincts.  You have everything you need to succeed and every destination is possible.

Tags: , ,

Maybe

12 Jun

We make millions of decisions as we go through our lives. Every day there are many things that require us to choose one thing or another. Many of the routine choices we make are inconsequential and it may not matter which way we go, but some things can be very important and weigh a lot depending on how we choose. It may not matter what shirt we wear or how we get to our destinations, but it may matter a lot whether or not we choose to go in the first place. Our lives will always be a reflection of the decisions we make. If we choose well and take roads that lead us to success we will find happiness and satisfaction. If we choose poorly or continually go around in circles of indecision instead of picking a path forward we may find confusion and disharmony. We are always in control of ourselves and every decision we make brings a result. If we don’t pay attention, or don’t care, or if we’re heavily influenced by situations or those around us, we may not make the best decisions we could. If they bring us unpleasant consequences we may be miserable in the end. Indecision can never move us forward. Saying “maybe we will,” or “maybe we won’t” is the same as doing nothing. If we want to move forward we must be proactive and confident and decide which way we’ll go. We can be thoughtful each time we choose and confidently determine the journey ahead. We have everything we need to find success and there isn’t anything too complicated for us to figure out.

When we have important decisions to make we can take the time we need to ensure we’re headed in the direction we most want to go. There’s no rush to decide but refusing to choose because we aren’t sure isn’t the same as taking time to evaluate the possibilities. Procrastinating a decision will not make it easier and continuing to go over the same facts will never change a situation. We can get all the information we need, see everything clearly, weigh all the options, and then determine what our next steps will be. We are capable of making excellent decisions and we can trust ourselves to choose wisely and move toward success.

Everybody makes mistakes and sometimes we may make a bad decision that impacts our lives negatively. We don’t know what we don’t know and there may be times when things are very different than we thought they were. We own every decision we make and blaming others or the situation when things go wrong will not improve what’s happening. If we’ve erred and are now suffering we can objectively look at all the options before us and redirect our path forward. It’s like missing an exit on the highway. We can loop back around and get it right the next time. There isn’t anything we can’t do and do well. By choosing carefully and doing what is needed to move forward we will reach any destination we desire.

Today if you’ve got a big decision looming and are unsure about how to proceed, take a look at all the possibilities. Weigh the options carefully and determine the best road forward. You are wise and capable, and every destination is possible. Be confident. You have everything you need to find success.

Tags: , ,

New Beginning

11 Jun

Our lives change a little every day.  When we’re on the roads we want to travel and pushing forward to complete goals we want to accomplish we feel confident and happy with the direction we’re moving.  Our lives are always in our control and no matter where we are or what we’re doing we can change them any time we want to.  Sometimes we see our lives with new perspective and what has been working fine no longer feels right.  We feel differently about the road we’ve been on and decide it’s time to adjust the way forward to a new destination.  Maybe we want a new location where we can start again in a fresh environment with new people and new places to explore.  Maybe the goals we’ve been working toward aren’t as important anymore and we want to do something else.  Life is all about change.  Everything around us changes constantly and we change right along with it.  Sometimes the changes are subtle and we don’t notice them at first but then what used to fit feels off somehow and we know it’s time to move on to something new.  There are unlimited possibilities everywhere and nothing is out of reach.  We can redirect the way forward, make any changes we desire and create a new situation that is more satisfying and fulfilling.  The whole world is there for us.  We can take the first step onto a new road and bravely chart a new course.  There isn’t anything we can’t do.  Our lives are ours to design and we can change anything at any time.

Familiarity is comfortable and it can be intimidating to leave it behind.  When we know the road well and those who are traveling with us, it’s easy to continue on and keep things the same.  Transitions bring with them all kinds of new challenges and experiences and we never know what lies ahead.  But we are strong enough and courageous enough to step into the unknown and move onto a path that takes us somewhere new.  There are endless new experiences waiting for us.  We have everything we need to change things up and find success.  All options are possible and we can make them ours.

Foreign territory is only foreign until we make it ours.  There’s a first time for everything and once we take the first steps into something new we open the doors to endless possibilities and chances for success we may never have seen before.  We can try new things, go to new places, and make the unknown ours.  When we expand our sphere of exposure, we expand our thinking and begin to see the world more completely.  We have great potential and are capable of accomplishing incredible things.  We have everything we need to go anywhere and reach any goal we choose.

Today if you feel like it’s time for a change but aren’t sure about leaving what you know, remember how strong and capable you are.  You can move into uncharted territory and make it yours.  Every possibility is there for you and nothing is out of reach.  Move forward, open all the doors, take a chance and see everything possible.  There is greatness in you and nothing is out of reach.  The whole world is there for you.  Every success is possible and you can reach it.

Tags: , ,

All Kinds

6 Jun

We interact with all kinds of people throughout our lives.  Some of them will become trusted friends and companions, some will only be passing acquaintances and some will be difficult to deal with.  Everyone makes their own decisions and lives according to their own ideas.  Most people are nice and try to get along with those around them, but some people are cruel and mean, and don’t care who they hurt or damage as they storm through their days.  When they come into our arena we may find it difficult to manage what they throw our way and may negatively get caught up in their choices.  It’s hard to navigate through volatile behavior and nobody wants to become a target.  Trying to find our way through is like trying to walk unscathed through a minefield.  We never know what our next step will bring or which way to turn.  We don’t have to figure out why someone is mean or cruel but if we want to manage the situation effectively we will need to find a way forward that protects us as much as possible and still allows us to be heard.  No matter what others are doing around us we are in control of ourselves.  We can remain calm even if everyone else is upset and patiently look for solutions.  Our choices are ours to make and if we objectively see each situation we will find the best way forward.  We can control our own behavior and make excellent choices even in the midst of conflict.  We know what we want to do and by choosing well we will find success.

The fight or flight reflex is hard wired into us.  When someone threatens us we may instinctively feel the need to fight back or run for cover.  These reflexes protect us and warn us of impending danger, but in most circumstances of conflict our lives aren’t at risk.  We don’t have to run from trouble and we never have to fight to make our point.  We can manage a difficult situation by using reason and influence.  There are always many ways to solve any problem and with patience and careful consideration we will find them.

It takes two to fight and it’s impossible to fight with someone who is agreeable.  We can rant and rave to try and make a point but kindness will always end the fight.  Although we may not agree with someone who is being contentious and rude, we can politely state our position and allow them to answer us.  Being willing to listen instead of forcefully pushing our point often ends disagreements and paves the way to compromise and resolution.  We are strong and capable and understand how to get to the goals we desire.  There isn’t anything too complicated for us to figure out and with patience and grace we will find the way forward.

Today if someone is pushing you around and treating you badly, before you respond take a moment to decide what you want to accomplish.  All the answers you need to move ahead are there for you.  You can control your behavior and make your point succinctly and politely, and exhibit kindness even under duress.  Make the best choices going forward and listen to your opponent’s point of view.  You have all the wisdom and influence you need to win, and with patience and grace you will get there.

Tags: , ,

Here and Now

29 May

Life is busy and there are often many things going on around us. We have responsibilities to address, details to attend to and an endless list of things we want to get done. We can be very effective and move forward efficiently and quickly but there are always a lot of distractions and it’s sometimes hard to stay tuned to the things we’re doing. Our thoughts determine how successful we are as we move along. If we’re in the moment and aware of what’s going on here and now we will see everything clearly and make the best decisions. If we’re distracted by something and looking in a direction away from where we want to go it will be harder to get to our destination. Our thoughts are fluid and continually moving from one topic to the next. One idea leads to another and if we’re not careful we might find we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about situations that have nothing to do with where we are right now. Being mindful of exactly where we are and what’s happening will help us move forward to where we want to go. We can manage whatever distractions are in our path and continue forward focused on our goal. Every destination is possible and when we’re thinking clearly and are determined to get there, nothing can keep us from success. We can control our thoughts and with discipline and determination get to any goal we seek.

We all have memories of things that have passed. Some will be good, some may be difficult and if we’ve been hurt and those memories are strong they may hold us back from what we want to do. Difficult memories may haunt us as we try to process what happened and wonder about why things went awry. We can’t go back in time and it’s impossible to live in the past and if we carry disappointments forward and hang onto them, they may prevent us from living in the present. All we have is what’s happening now. The past is gone and can never be recaptured. We can learn from what we’ve been through, let it go and move forward.

There is no way to know what will come to us. We can plan and proceed toward goals we want and we will achieve them but often we get there in ways we didn’t anticipate. Life is filled with unknowns and we only have control over ourselves. Nothing can prevent the future from arriving and worrying about what might happen or how we’ll handle what we don’t know is time wasted. We have all the skills we need to face anything that comes. We are strong, resilient and capable and nothing can hold us down. The future will come and we will manage whatever it brings with confidence.

Today if you’ve been spending time dissecting something that has past, or worrying about what might come in the future, focus on today. You only have this moment to live your life. The past is behind you and the future will come in its own time. Be the best you can be right now and every goal you’re seeking will become a reality. Your life is precious and valuable, and every decision you make will take you closer to the goals you desire. Be courageous and confident. You are amazing and every dream can come true. There is greatness ahead for you and you will reach it.

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →