Archive | Choice RSS feed for this section

Hedge Fund

16 Jan

When we want something very badly and we aren’t sure we can accomplish it, we may hedge our bet to try to increase our odds. For instance, if we’re dating someone we like but aren’t sure the relationship will go anywhere, we may decide to date someone else on the side. That way, if one situation ends, we’ll have the other to fall back on. Or if we want someone to believe in us but know we can’t give them what they need, we may fabricate stories about our plans and pretend to do things in ways that will bring them closer. We may think if we can get them on board we’ll figure out how to keep them there later. Hedging our bet is a way to negate any loss that may come. In some arenas, it’s not a bad idea, but when interacting with others, it can be dangerous. Working behind the scenes may work against us. If those involved discover what we’re doing, we may lose everything. Nobody appreciates dishonesty and if our subterfuge is uncovered, the goal we’re seeking may be lost. Forever. When we want something, the best choice is to honestly and openly express our desire for it, and then do what is needed to achieve it. There isn’t anything we can’t do and we can gain whatever we’re seeking with honor. We don’t need to hedge our bet to win. We can win by doing our best.

The world is filled with all kinds of ideas. There are many ways to accomplish anything and if we choose to manipulate a situation, our options increase. If we aren’t sure we can get to our goal, we may choose to creatively shape our actions and frame our ideas in ways that make them seem more attractive. There is nothing wrong with enhancing our approach to make it more successful, but if we do it using trickery or pretense, we may get to the goal but our success may be precarious. Truth always rises and once all the facts are uncovered we may lose in the end. It does no good to gain something that slips through our fingers once our deceptive methods have been uncovered.

There are times when we may be unsure we can accomplish what we we’re seeking. We may think we don’t have the tools needed to get there or others involved will not receive us. We can talk ourselves out of any goal if our desire to achieve it isn’t strong enough. But there really isn’t anything we can’t accomplish. We have everything we need to succeed and even if we aren’t sure, we can go forward step by step and get to the goal. Manipulation, deceit, duplicity and trickery are tools for the weak. We are strong enough to move forward being honest and clear in our objective and we will succeed. We don’t need to hedge our bets. We have everything we need already.

Today if you’re thinking of manipulating a situation to get what you want, remember your integrity. You already have everything you need to succeed and you can win by being honest and sincere. There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish. Be the best you can be today and make your decisions based on the high standards you cherish. You are a gift to the world. Set the example for good and choose well.

Tags: , ,

Nobody Knows

14 Jan

They say everyone has secrets of some sort. Maybe there are personal things we keep to ourselves or maybe we lie about our age, or our background, or stretch the truth when talking about our experiences. Or we may be dishonest about big things like if we were married before or have broken the law. We can say anything we want and can be honest or lie. We can do things privately when nobody is looking, perhaps unethical or even illegal things, and hope no one finds out. We may think if nobody knows what we’re doing we’ll get away with it and be fine, but nobody is perfect, and we may leave a trail that leads back to us. If we’re found out we may deny the allegations, but once we’ve done something, no matter what it is, it’s permanent and cannot be undone. It will be there forever. Doing something badly or dishonestly can never bring us happiness. Our personal integrity is priceless. It’s worth more than anything we could ever acquire or own. If we compromise it, even if nobody knows, we lose. We are what we do and in the end if we choose well, even when it’s hard to make a good choice, we will gain. We can choose the higher course and opt for nobility even when other options arise. There is nothing more powerful than being honest and true, and it shows in everything we do.

Some people think if nobody knows what we’ve done, it’s like it didn’t happen. It’s almost as though they believe in a parallel universe where our secret actions can hide, never to be revealed. We could live two lives at the same time – the one we live out in the open and share with others, and the one we live in secret doing things we hope nobody will ever see. However, deception will complicate our lives and get in the way of our decisions, and can block our way forward. Only by being honest and straightforward, by living cleanly and openly, will we ever achieve our greatest hopes and dreams.

A spider’s web is an intricate and sticky creation. It’s designed to hold whatever crawls onto it or gets too close. Once captured, struggling only increases its hold on the victim and it’s impossible to escape. When we tangle our lives up with dishonest choices and lies, when we hide what we’re doing and keep secrets, we create a personal web that captures us and holds us tight. Everywhere we turn we must be careful not to reveal some private information or let others too close. If we continue the deceit, we may find ourselves stuck and unable to move forward. But we can free ourselves by choosing to be honest. Each time we make a good decision it will open a new door for us, and in time, we will be able to let go of all the trappings we created. There is nothing better than an honest, noble life. It will bring us happiness and peace, and we will move forward with confidence.

Today if you’ve been tangling your life up with the complications of dishonesty and secrecy, change your path going forward. Living openly and nobly will open all the doors for you. Choose wisely and move ahead with confidence. You deserve the best of everything and choosing well will bring it to you.

Tags: , ,

Where We Are

29 Dec

Life is a long journey and our lives are always changing. There are countless roads and endless destinations. When we’re clear on where we want to go we can find our way and go forward confidently. But sometimes when we’re moving forward in one direction something changes and we see the road differently. Sometimes where we are or where we’re headed doesn’t feel right and we want to change directions. It may be a gradual adjustment or we may suddenly decide one day that we’re going the wrong way and turn everything around. Where we are right now does not determine where we may go from here. We can change directions at any time and find exactly what we’re seeking. Life is flexible and ever changing. If what was comfortable yesterday doesn’t fit today, we can re-evaluate our way forward and turn another way. Our lives are ours to design and we can make them any way we want them. If we want to go somewhere new, or be something different, we can. Where we are now is just where we are now. Where we go from here is up to us.

Although our lives belong to us there may be times when we find ourselves in situations we didn’t plan because of the influence or involvement of others or circumstances we couldn’t control. We may be in careers we didn’t choose because they were the only jobs we could find at the beginning and although we never intended to remain, time has passed and we are still there. We may be in difficult relationships with others that continue because our days have been intertwined with them and we’ve simply gone along. Or we may be living a life that we don’t really like because we haven’t done anything to change it. Living well is a gift we all deserve but it requires action. Our lives belong to us and we may design them any way we like. We don’t have to simply go along as the days pass and accept whatever comes. We can actively make choices to get what we really want and find satisfaction and joy.

Every idea of perfection is different. What one person thinks is the perfect life, another doesn’t. We are all unique and can make our own choices. If we want lives filled with action and adventure, we can set a course that will bring it to us. If we prefer a simpler model in a small setting with those we know, we can design our lives that way. We can do anything but first we must determine exactly what we want. When we know that, we can proceed to make it happen and find real happiness and fulfillment living the way that fits us best. If we aren’t where we most want to be and if our lives are not the lives we desire, we can change them. We have the power to change anything. Every single day is a gift. We can live well and happily by choosing to honor each day as it comes and live it fully the way that fits us best.

Today if you feel your life isn’t where you want it to be begin making decisions that will change it. You can do anything you want to do. Be brave. There isn’t anything you can’t manage and you can have the life of your dreams. Move forward on the road you want most and you will find happiness. Your life belongs to you. Make it yours today.

Tags: , ,

Out of Control

19 Dec

Life can be unexpected and we may sometimes find ourselves in situations that are uncomfortable for us. There may be moments when because of situation or circumstance, someone may try to take control of our lives in ways that are difficult to deal with. If somebody else is more forceful than we are and decisions must be made, they may take command and if we don’t speak up we may end up facing things we don’t want to do. And sometimes we don’t have control over something simply because we are outsiders and decisions were made that affect our lives that we had no way to prevent. We all want to control what we do and where we go and often that’s the case, and if we find ourselves having to do something we didn’t choose it can be difficult to navigate. We are in charge of our lives and we may choose what we do. If we don’t want to participate in a decision, we don’t have to. It may be difficult to decline and refuse if someone close to us is adamant that we join in, but if we don’t want to be a part of the plan we can say no. We know what’s best for us and can make any decision we need to ensure that’s what we get.

Some people want to control a lot in life. In group settings, they like to decide what the group will do, where they will go, and what will happen. They often feel they know more than others and their opinions are the best that can be offered. However, we have control over our lives and may take them anywhere we want to go. But our lives are the only lives we have authority over. It is inappropriate and inconsiderate to believe we know what’s best for others. We may have good suggestions and may certainly offer them, but they are suggestions and not orders. We don’t have the right to tell others how to live their lives. If someone wants control over our decisions, we may politely thank them for their ideas and explain that we will decide what is best for us. We are the only ones who know everything about what we’re doing and where we want to go. We know how to choose the best path forward and although the advice of those we care about may be valued, our decisions belong to us.

In our intimate and close relationships, our loved ones may try to control the paths we’ll take. If we don’t comply they may resort to emotional blackmail and coercion to get their way. No matter what anyone else wants us to do or how much pressure they exert we can still choose what’s best for us. We have the great privilege and responsibility of managing our lives and taking them where we most want to go and we don’t have to do anything we don’t want to do. We drive our own personal trains and we know what tracks we want to travel. We can choose well and reach any destination we desire.

Today if someone has been trying to get you to follow their lead and you are uncomfortable, you may say no. You are capable of choosing the very best paths for your life and you know what you want and need. Be confident in choosing for yourself and forging your own way. You have everything you need to succeed and be happy. You know where you want to go and you will get there.

Tags: , ,

Growing Up

12 Dec

“We’re all told at some point in time that we can no longer play the children’s game…” Moneyball

When we’re children we act like children and as childhood flashes by we go through a lot of changes. Childhood is the time for us to begin our lives and start to learn and understand how things work, decide what kind of people we want to be, and what we want to do. For most of us moving into adulthood is a normal progression we grow into each day. But for some it’s more difficult and we may get stuck holding onto childish behaviors. We may not be able to control ourselves or make good choices, we may be subject to tantrums and hysterics, or get stuck acting out immaturely. It’s impossible to be successful adults if we’re behaving like children. For most of us the transition into adulthood is natural and we learn the lessons needed as time passes to become fully integrated and capable. However, if we refuse to grow up, and get stuck wishing for the innocence and carefree years of the past, we will face many difficulties. We cannot be children and adults at the same time. If we want to be truly happy we must embrace our lives as they are, let go of the children’s game and move forward.

Children cannot understand or compete in the adult world. They don’t have the experience or understanding to comprehend how things work or what needs to be done. They lack the self-control required to face disappointments easily and process undesired changes. They have everything they need to be children, and we never expect them to possess adult attributes. However, once we’ve grown up it’s our responsibility to learn what we need to interact effectively with the other adults in our lives. We must let go of the trappings of childhood and embrace growth. We can all become successful adults willing and able to work with others and understand our circumstances. If we need help adjusting it is our responsibility to get it. Only then can we be successful and move forward.

Fantasy is fun but if we are confused about what is real and what is fantasy we may get lost. It’s perplexing for others to be around adults who hang onto childish things and act in childish ways. Life isn’t always easy and it can be hard to face difficulties and try to unravel complex issues. We may not want to face what is before us but hiding behind childish behavior will not solve them for us. We have everything we need to become fully successful. We are brave and strong and capable of facing anything that comes to us. We can grow and mature and become our best selves.

Today if you’ve been struggling and wishing you were a child again, trust yourself to expand. Life is always moving forward. There is no way to return to the past. Be where you are and gain all the knowledge and experience you need to be successful. You can do anything and do it well. Today is a great blessing. Move ahead with confidence.

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →