The Choice Is Yours
Life is not only about what happens to a person, but more importantly how one reacts to it. The same applies to life’s decisions and choices. It’s not only about what causes the decision to be made. It is also about the reaction to the circumstances, consequences and outcome of the decision. When making choices in life, an individual’s options are fivefold and one must take them into consideration:
1. Effect on themselves
2.Impact on other individuals surrounding them
3.Fear of the unknown
4.Weighing the options behind which road to take
5.Reaching satisfaction of seeing the benefits behind each choice
Fear of the unknown is a powerful tool that inhibits human beings from instantaneously deciding on something and sticking with it. Fear can also be one of the most detrimental forces. Stepping out of this cherished and unassailable comfort zone, is a task and challenge not always eagerly accepted. One is fearful of the endless miles of unfamiliarity that lie ahead.
Many of life’s choices induce automatic question and regret, before the decision is even made. However, I have begun to realize this fear is broken everyday with exposure to something I am unaccustomed to, encountering an unknown person, or carrying out something I’ve never done. It shows this fear is slowly breaking down. By choosing to do explore, I realize in no way that it is damaging or harmful.
“I clearly lack the ability to know how things will carry out, for if that was the case I would always have the upper-hand- the proverbial crystal ball.”
Seemingly, many have come to accept the regularity of “following the norm.” Such as “taking the cards that have been dealt,” and never once considering playing a second hand. However, a turning point must be reached. Following ubiquitous ways, never once weighing all the options, is going to leave a depleted void. Yes, at the time I feel it’s easy to give in to the “safe” way, not imagining the possibility of delving into something new.
“There is the possibility of learning that some of the decisions will lead up to “making all the difference,” though it may not have been the choice first considered.”
Reflecting on the familiar poem, ’The Road Not Taken,’ Robert Frost conveys the unknown path may be the very source of the great deluge. Throughout life a person will come across diverging forks in the road and will be left to make a choice which path to follow. Or in some cases, create. The best choice is not always the one more trampled. There is the possibility of learning that some of the decisions will lead up to “making all the difference,” though it may not have been the choice first considered.
By setting out to take a risk and being so bold as to not go with a predetermined outcome, it can ultimately lead to a more satisfied decision. I find that with some choices the logical and intelligent decision has clearly been made, and other times it is a hazy grey line. However, those few cases of choosing the “path less traveled” automatically a feeling of embrace should be rejoiced. One is conquering uniqueness, espousing what’s around and venturing into the unknown.
“Life can be looked at as 10% what happens & 90% how one reacts.”
Making the right choice and decision is only half the battle, deciding to accept the outcome also plays a role. If choosing the unknown scenario, path contrary to the norm or making an “on a whim” decision, I feel as if I am contending with my destiny. What would it be like to wake up feeling like you have lost your entire life by two split seconds? Lost from a choice that was never thought about twice?
Think of those in found in a terrible and unforeseen accident. At first, one may be filled with vexation and despair. They are feeling as if the world is crumbling down, embodying them in it’s misery. They have been marked by an inimical tribulation. However it often comes down to a choice. There is the choice to no longer be residing with negativity and resentment, but rather to accept what has happened and to move on. Though in a different manner than once before.
“It can sometimes take a devastating turn of events to begin to appreciate the gift of life and realize the important lessons of life.”
For me, three of the most important attributes are patience, acceptance and perseverance. These attributes manifest themselves, bringing us into a deep and existential mind frame. One learns patience is a virtue. Furthermore, one can begin to accept life and learn to work with it, rather than struggling against it. Lastly, one can accept life, on life’s terms.
By accepting life, one is no longer beaten down by the faults, but lifted from the greatness of life. Lastly, perseverance teaches him that even in the worst of times, one must stand strong and realize the silver lining can always be found. Value and gratitude can continuously rise to the surface when one realizes the sacredness and lack of longevity that life embodies. Once again, it comes to choices, and the choice is solely left for you to determine.
“One can accept life, on life’s terms.”
I believe we have the choice to live a life of greatness or let it pass by. It is something that I cherish deeply since it really does mean everything. With each decision and choice that comes across my path I must be aware of the consequence on my present and future self. Rather than fret about what could happen, I will take the plunge and learn from past experience what road to take in the future. Most importantly, whatever results from the choice, I will accept it and carry on living as I am destined to. Life can be looked at as 10% what happens, and 90% how one reacts to it. Clearly, the odds are strongly in my favor and in the future I hope to accept these odds.
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HCM Lifestyle is about fostering an inspiring environment. We want you to feel confident in the choices you make. After all, The Choice Is Yours. Thank you for being part of the inspirational journey with HCM Lifestyle. Share a time you made a life choice that led to making all the difference. Email hcmlifestyle@gmail.com to share. HCM Lifestyle is also on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter. Connect with us and be part of the inspirational journey every step of the way.
By: HCM Lifestyle’s Madison Colberg
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