What you want to do in your life is your choice and yours alone

Raquel Strand, writing for the book, “Chicken Soup For The Recovering Soul,” has this wake-up call: “What a powerful thing choice is. We can choose to lead and set examples of strength, and perseverance, courage and love, or we can give in to our addiction, accept defeat and wallow in self-pity that will never let go. We can choose to support those who are strong and in turn lean on them so we no longer have to walk alone. Reflect on your journey and where your path leads. The most difficult choices often leads to the greatest rewards.”

Choice is a privilege. It is up to us on how to make or unmake our life for a better us and a better tomorrow. I remember a friend, who after the passing of her husband, wallowed in self-pity. She avoided going out even to the mall with her children. Not until a close friend unceasingly prodded her to join a spiritual group. She bounced back to life after two years of grieving.

There are many choices in life  that can make our daily journey more enlivening. The following are some of the choices shared by writers in the book, “Chicken Soup For The Recovering Soul,”:

I will not hold onto the memories or the hurtful past, though they are part of me. I choose to allow them to strengthen me as I move forward. I chose this destiny. I chose this journey. I will begin with my first step, putting one foot steadily in front of the other. Then another. Then another.

Just for today, I release all worries. Just for today, I release all anger. Just for today, I shall earn my living with integrity. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. Just for today, I give thanks for all my many blessings.

It  is important that we laugh, sing, dance and love. Never stand on the sidelines and be left wondering “what if.” Step forward and give life all you have to give. Open doors for others as doors have opened for you. Face the challenges with hope. Meet obstacles with a smile. You never know who may be watching, so be a good example and mentor. Cherish the moments and look to God for answers.

My past is no longer here. My present is today. My future waiting and I will start planning now. I will treat myself with love, make each day a positive one and not allow self-pity to control me.

Life is full of choices that we make with great and little thought. Whatever the case, you should look back on the moment without regret. Regret is empty and futile and brings with it stagnation. Instead look forward with wishes. Wishes of another opportunity to make another choice with the memory lesson learned from that outcome.

Today is today. Today is not yesterday, crushing you with the mistakes you have made. Today is not tomorrow, which is always out of your grasp. But you can take hold of today. Unwrap this present with awe of a five-year old on Christmas morning. Pull off the bow, rip the wrapping paper and give thanks to Him who provided you this gift today.