“It was by chance, you say that this circumstance materialized.” But I say, you chose. You envisioned, you imagined, and it materialized. You could see it, taste it, feel it, hear it, and intuitively sense its arrival. You chose—consciously or subconsciously. Your thoughts became things.
We choose how we perform! We often make excuses for our actions...easy to do….we are right and everyone else is wrong. It’s quick and mindless to justify our acts. Point the other finger, lay blame on a co-worker, and turn against a friend. It’s not easy to make changes to improve our conduct, to deviate from quick word preferences, to bear responsibility for our substandard behavior patterns. But when we do decide, we can choose to replace our deportment with moral endeavors; it’s not by chance or accident we change. We choose. Thus begins the process of discovering our true self from which we gain meaning every moment in our day.
I love feeling self-motivated. But there are days I feel manipulated, depleted and abused; so it is harder to find purpose and get re-focused. But once I choose to inspire myself, I no longer feel controlled. I am in charge and encouraged!
I relish being part of a community where I believe I am making a difference; being useful, not exploited. But I choose that belief; no one has to convince me or tell me. I just know it.
I am finally learning to listen to my inner voice; be still a little longer to understand, notice, and appreciate what is essential in life. I no longer listen so intently to the random opinion of others because judgement is subjective. I choose an inner confidence from which to operate!
I also prefer excellence instead of mediocrity. I want to shine at work or home; that is just my personality. But I do not feel the need to compete against others to win a prize, to be congratulated or earn admiration. I choose to excel in helping others be their noblest. I choose that inward sense of gratification that the job I did was worthy.
I could certainly hold a pity party for myself most days of the week (can’t we all)? Yet, I consciously choose to build myself up and not tear myself down. That kind of negativity gets me nowhere.
So, as we come into a new year, I wonder if you will stand with me and pledge to the “I Choose” Commitment. Choose choice, make changes, be motivated, useful and excel. Choose self-esteem, building others self-worth as you do yours; and above all, take moments during the day and choose to listen to your inner voice. You may be pleasantly surprised at what it will tell you.
Choosing is just an attitude change; but it has to be intentionally revisited throughout the day.
Let me know what you are choosing or if you need help discovering how or what to ch00se!