The Work of Choice

Today I am grateful for my joint health and muscle strength and the exercises that help maintain them. I am also grateful for some recliner time this morning and the view I am enjoying.

The commencement address given by the senior class president at my nephew's graduation on Sunday was a good effort with a worthwhile message. It was all about perception, about how we choose to look at life and what happens to us. About how we handle life when life isn't going exactly the way we would like it.

Somewhere in his speech, this young man mentioned "the work of choice."  That struck me and got me thinking. Yes, choice takes work, effort, risks. We have many choices each and every day, throughout the day. Sometimes choosing to do something is the healthiest route, sometimes choosing not to is healthier.

Together these choices define our actions and our thoughts and these create our perceptions. Are we seeing the world as hostile, unfair, tedious?  Or are we seeing the world as an open invitation to contribute in helpful ways?

Inaction may seem easier, but it's not. Choosing to do nothing is sometimes the best choice, but always choosing to do nothing would be very limiting.

The work of choice. I am blessed with ongoing motivation to exercise, write about gratitude, live gratefully. Is it always easy to get moving, to find gratitude? No. Often it is, because I know the rewards await. But when it is not easy, when it feels more like work, I still do it. Because I know it is effective, I know the benefits will come. Then the motivation returns.

The work of choice. Think about it. Act on it. What will you choose to do and not to do today?

Comments

  1. The work of choice - I like that. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Aileen. This is thinking put to good use--what is healthy for me
      to do, what isn't? As long as I trust my gut and not end up trying to rationalize
      and justify what I know in my heart is not the right choice. Not that I ever do that :-(

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