Rocky found this on the internet the other day. I, too,
found it beguiling. I share it with you now and then will follow with some
comments.
“I
choose…
To live by choice, not
by chance;
To make changes, not
excuses;
To be motivated, not
manipulated;
To be useful, not
used;
To excel, not compete;
I choose self-esteem,
not self pity;
I choose to listen to
my inner voice, not random opinion of others.
~rawforbeauty.com
The keyword here is ‘choose’. Intentional thought, word,
action and belief. Not random, nor accidental. Purposeful and thought out. I
choose to do something or believe something. I choose to share something with
others, whether an idea, sentiment, pat on the back, or donation of time, money
and talent.
Choosing to live this way, makes opportunities happen. Read
material for the information I do not already know, or how to fit it with other
things I know but haven’t thought about before. Talk with others about the same
thoughts and learn what they think; is it similar to your understanding? Or are
there other possibilities, here. Fresh ideas for fresh thinking and creation.
If I find something that needs changing, am I willing to
offer help to make the change? Or am I merely willing to offer critique of the
situation and lay blame for it? Why not avoid your own excuses and get busy
helping with the needed changes?
Do you choose to be motivated and motivate others? Or are
you waiting for others to do this for you, and perhaps manipulate you and your
resources? Why not take charge of your own resources (time, talent and funds)
to make the changes you feel most needed?
Similar to this thought, do you choose to be useful and not
used? When someone asks you to do
something, are you sure this is what you want to do? Why not get directly
involved and be useful to the cause in the first place. You will understand the
issue much better and know for yourself what needs to be done and when. Writing
a check is useful; but it does not advance your understanding of the issue
first hand. Think about changing this in your life.
Do you choose to excel at something and not compete? If we focus on competition we are not truly
strengthening our inner ability. In fact we are letting other matters dictate
our inner agenda and how we spend our energy and time. Excelling at our chosen
interest centers means we also use to advantage what others can provide. By not
competing but rather collaborating, we accomplish a great deal more. Our joint
interests are advanced. We each excel; we each accomplish. The common good of
the community is enriched. Together we have made progress. And meanwhile we
have not wasted time and energy in competing with others.
And I want to feel good about myself. That is not preening!
That is individuality. It is also avoiding self pity. Focus on the positive and
the negatives will fade away, maybe even disappear entirely for awhile!
Along the way I begin to notice that my inner voice is
working hard and well. And I learn also to trust it. It is often more reliable
and accurate than the random thoughts expressed by others. Self control and
self reliance. They go hand in hand.
In the final analysis, choosing to live intentionally is a
good thing for me, and for you. That’s when the ‘us’, the ‘we’ begins to soar
as well.
Good quote to think about today. Choose to be all that you
can be this day!
February 25, 2014
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