by Clyde Dennis, a.k.a. "Mr. How-To"
OK, so here we are. We've switched the calendars out and made our
resolutions. Now it's time to set about the process of making those
changes we've resolved to make. You haven't forgotten already have
you?
I heard you say this year I'm going to... stop smoking, exercise more,
take a few night classes, start saving for retirement, eat healthier, cut my
alcohol intake by 50%, get more rest and on and on and on. Choices to change. I
applaud you for living consciously enough to even realize that some
changes might be good.
Unfortunately there are those who don't dare think that on any given
day, we can in any way we choose change anything or everything about
ourselves and thus our lives. It seems we've somehow been coerced into
believing major portions of the course of our lives are set in stone and are
therefore unchangeable.
This of course could not be further from the truth.
On any day we wish we can open a new book for reading or start writing a
new and exciting chapter of our own, in our own. We can stretch ourselves to
meet new challenges, or we can choose to shrink away from them. At
will we can turn old friends new again, and new friends old. We can move
up, or we can move on. The choices that we can and must make are
essentially endless.
What we must not loose sight of is that these things are in fact
CHOICES. And even more importantly we must realize it's through these
choices that our history is being continually written.
We also of course have the choice and option of exercising our choice
not to choose. I call this the choice of mediocrity. This tag because not
to choose is still a choice made. It's just allowing the choice to be made for
you rather than by you. A very mediocre way to live. It's choosing to
pretend to be alive rather than going ahead and doing it. I can't imagine
though why someone would CHOOSE mediocrity. I Guess it's a comfort thing? I
mean what the heck, we're here anyway. May as well do the thing. Right?
Anyway, not to get sidetracked...
If things aren't the way you want them to be the first thing you must do is
choose to do something different from what you're currently doing. My personal
philosophy on this one is if things aren't working, ANY other course of
action is better. Figuring it's already not working so I can't break it. It's
already broken.
We have both the ability and the responsibility to make conscious
decisions and choices. What I'm suggesting is that you resolve to be the
driver in your life rather than a passenger. You wouldn't set the cruise
control on your car and just let it take you where ever it ends up would you?
Don't do it with your life.
We must not allow errors in judgment to be repeated every day. If
you want things to be different at some point you must resolve to do some things
differently. After all, What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same
things you've always done expecting to get different results. It's up to you to
make the choices that bring the things you want into your life. Whether it be peace,
love, happiness or whatever. You must realize there are definite things you can
do to bring these things to you.
Two things are always happening. You're always making choices, and these
choices are always changing your world. The question is-- Are you going to
allow the things that change today in your life to be random events,
or are you going to exercise your freedom to choose your changes? Either
way, one thing is for sure...
A change is certainly going to come.
Have a nice week.
Live some. Love some. Learn some. Everyday.
C...
