Life by Choice
by Patrice Donnelly
I use to say that the one true constant in the universe is change, but after reflecting on these past few year I have observed that another universal constant could actually be choice. Choice is the underlining cause behind every change that we experience.
We live under the effects of our choices every moment of our life. We are constantly choosing what we wish to do, where we want to go, what we think about, how we feel, when to react or not to react, who to interact with, or whether or not we will read this article to its end… The choices we make in every moment are that which effects our reality.
I was living in a beautiful little cabin surrounded on one side by an organic orchard with one of the rare year round flowing rivers in Sedona, Arizona, and on the other side, a beautiful, and equally rare, vineyard. Work was scarce but the awesome beauty of the red rocks made up for scraping by each week.
I had just found a job that would pay me for doing what I love, intuitive painting, when I found out about my mothers illness. I immediately packed up my truck with everything I could fit giving the rest away, and headed back to Michigan to help and support her and my family. At the time, I did not feel I had a choice in the matter- after all, it was my mom.
By the time my moms health returned, the cabin I lived in was rented and the position I waited a lifetime for was filled. I could have easily slipped into remorse over my own loss but instead I chose a positive outlook knowing I could always go back to Sedona or start something new here.
Every situation we face, whether or not we realize it, is the direct result of a choice made. Some decisions are easier than others, but every one made directs us toward a certain outcome. It is the choices made unconsciously that tend to have the worse impact on us.
These unconscious choices are patterns or habits that have us repeating the same outcome again and again. It is only when we become aware of these cycles that we have the power to change them. Monumental life-changes happen when we begin making different choices that lift us out of the cycles of the past. As Albert Einstein once said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
It’s time to become aware of the constant choices we are making in our daily life- ones as simple as when to go grocery shopping and when to call a friend. Watch the many choices you make each day and how they are affecting your emotions and health. Little choices really impact our lives more on a day to day basis than the major decisions we make.
As it turned out, my decision to stay began a wonderful new adventure here in Michigan. Close to my family and lifetime friends I am now following a hearts desire to facilitate workshops and circles that will empower others. I feel this was something that could only have begun here with the love and support of those around me. Being here with this support allowed me to muster the courage and take the leap into the unknown and following my dreams. I could not have guessed that my decision to return to help my mom would ever bloom such an inspiring outcome…
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