The Power of Choice
June 2008
It's
choice...
that determines your destiny.
Jean
Nidetch
As a coach, I come across
people everyday who are in a season of transition.
Often I sit with a client as she weighs her options in
regards to the various aspects of life. Be it venturing
out on a new career path, taking a relationship to the
next level, or rising from a season of depression,
people come looking for a container of grace in which
all facets of a situation can be seen more clearly.
Through experience, I have learned the power of
language as a tool for transformation. The simple act
of attending to our inner dialogue has the power to
change the course of our thinking...and of our lives.
When teaching exercises in conscious communication
(stay tuned, workbook coming soon!), I suggest we flag
certain words in order to shift the flow of energy in
our minds and hearts. This creates a reset function in
regards to our thinking and can be the key ingredient
to shift a mental construct for good.
Make Choices vs. Decisions
When I hear a client
say..."I need to decide, and I'm just not sure what to
do." It is then I know that choice is the medicine of
the moment. To decide in a moment of ambivalence forces
a false sense of finality to the present moment. I
invite us to honor the now of our reality, rather than
focusing on the how (which is a function of the future,
taking us out of the moment). Sometimes when we feel
pressure to make decisions (knowing how), rather than
choices (knowing now), we inadvertantly disempower
ourselves. We make assumptions about the future and add
unnecessary weight to our choices - assuming we know
where each will lead us over time. We bind ourselves to
a way of being that may serve us in the moment, yet not
necessarily long-term. And, most of all, we rob
ourselves of the freedom to experience the miracle that
is a change of heart.
Choices are authentic, in-the-moment, and ever-changing
- as are we! To choose is to evoke the essence of self
acceptance and allows room for growth. Choice is a
priviledge meant to evolve us towards more responsible
expressions of who we are in the world. The highest
choices are those that create more peace, love, and
harmony in the world around us. We can decide to change
the world, but can only happen one choice at a time.
So this month, practice
presence. And if and when you feel the weight of
decision upon you, choose what feels right in the
moment instead. Respond to the now and release the how.
Thanks to inspirational singer and songwriter, India
Arie, we have the perfect anthem for this month's
focus:
I
Choose,
by India Arie
listen to it
now
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