Have you ever had to make a difficult choice?
Chances are, you have. It is part of daily life. You choose to get out of bed. You choose to eat breakfast. You choose when you will take a shower. For some this may not seem like a difficult choice. For others these are some of the hardest choices to make in any given moment. When I was in the depths of depression, simple routine choices such as getting out of bed, eating breakfast and taking a shower were almost impossible. They seemed unattainable, overwhelming and downright scary.
When I finally accepted how ill I was, the choice to live, slowly began to overpower the reality of darkness and desperation. I chose to have a shower when I got out of bed. I chose to get up and go for a short walk. I chose to give myself love, compassion and grace.
Today, I look at each moment in time as choice. What I choose to do, where I choose to devote my time, who I choose to spend my time with and how I choose to be.
One of the many reasons I love Dan Millman’s work, is his concept, practice and Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Although it sounds contradictory, it is very profound and powerful. In my words and perception it is to live from a peaceful place, with kindness, love and gratitude and approach life with a warrior spirit – finding your inner strength and courage to climb mountains and overcome obstacles.
In his book The Laws of Spirit, Dan shares powerful truths for making life work. The chapter that really stood out for me was The Law of Choices: Reclaiming Our Power. This excerpt is an incredible metaphor and message:
“Lasting progress doesn’t happen in a few dramatic moments, but hour by hour, day by day. And as time passes, every process includes repairs: The road to happiness is always under construction. Focus on taking life one step at a time until you get it right; set aside what you can do later. When discipline and patience join forces, they become a persistence that endures past the peaks and valleys to carry intentions to completion. Enthusiasm sets the pace, but persistence reaches the goal. Process, patience and persistence are keys that unlock the doorway to any destination. The treasure isn’t only at journey’s end, you see; the process itself is its own reward.” said the Sage to Dan.
2012 has begun with many choices, some very difficult, others not so difficult. It has been a choice for me to create and develop, to withdraw from the distraction I create around social media, events and shining light on others. This hasn’t been an easy choice for me, the little voices inside keep screaming out – “Lee, you must get back onto social media, you must go to this event, you should be doing that…” Yet, the quiet strong voice gently reminds me of the commitment to myself, my family and to the dreams I am creating and taking action on.
What choice do you need to make today?
Are you making powerful choices or taking the easy way out?
The powerful truth is: Choice is your individual right and responsibility.
Hugs & Love
