|
Dear Suzanne,
Welcome to Day 4 of Peace on the Path; C is for Choice.
Today, we continue to build peace within ourselves. From the foundation of physical care and equilibrium, we added acceptance and assessment. Now that we can see clearly the metaphoric landscape before us, we have choices to make!
This step in the Peace on the Path system is particularly meaningful for me. If I had a magic wand, I would want people to understand that the ability to choose is one of the most powerful gifts we have.
Choice seems simple, yet I can tell you firsthand, it can often feel out of reach. For quite some time, I lived in a state of disbelief, fear, and in despair. I felt incapable of making decisions, as if I wasn’t making any at all—or at least not the “right" ones, and that’s what had landed me in desperate times.
When the ice of my despair began to melt with love and guidance, I recognized I could choose and felt empowered. I saw that even if my decisions were seemingly miniscule or inconsequential, I was still doing it, and when I felt I “couldn’t” or wouldn’t make a choice or act—that was still an active decision. One often rooted in a calculus around safety and best timing.
I came to the realization that I wasn’t stuck, weak, stupid, or incapable—the list goes on! This understanding opened a door that once felt locked. I could carry myself with dignity even while in a holding pattern. Regaining a sense of choice restored my autonomy and gave me back a feeling of personal power.
With ownership of choice comes the ability to focus and support that choice with a commitment—a promise to oneself and others to follow through.
These three Cs will help you see your path as you concentrate your energies and power— your power—your true inner strength—toward your goal.
1) Choose your commitment.
2) Choose the first step you are willing to take for today.
3) Choose the attitude and mindset that will help you get there.
As you make these choices, one of the most supportive actions you can take is to clarify your "why.” Why are you doing what you’re doing? Why are you pursuing your goal? When your "why" is crystal clear, you will find it easier to muster organic motivation when you need it most.
Write down your commitment and your "why." Write it in multiple places. Talk about it. Decide to be a person of your word. In the words of the Nike slogan: “Just do it.” Even if it feels hard, or the easiest choice is to do nothing, be clear with yourself about why you believe that is the best choice. These practices can help build inner muscle to support your cause.
My hope is that you do realize how capable you are—that every choice is yours to make. Choice is both a beautiful gift and a responsibility. And if you ever lose sight of that, reach out to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a life coach. You can!
Wishing you another solid step on your path to peace. If you have thoughts, questions, or comments, I’d love to hear from you.
With love and light,
Suzanne
| 
