M. Scott Peck wrote, “The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”

As I have been driving today, I have had time to ponder many things. My mind landed on choices. I have had many moments, many choices presented to me in this life. And, I can’t say that I have always taken the high road, or the better road. I have made plenty of mistakes, had plenty of wrong turns along the way. But I have chosen to continue, to learn, to grow, and to become better through each circumstance and situation.

I have heard it said that we all make over 10,000 choices on a daily basis. So often, it is difficult to determine what is the most promising or correct direction to take. So we take our time, we weigh options, we ponder and pontificate… but eventually we have to choose. Our entire life consists of our decisions. Where we are, WHO we are, is the sum total of the decisions we have made in our lives.

“Decisions Determine Direction, Direction Determines Destiny.” I am not sure where I heard this, but it has been in my head for many years now because of the truth in it. In each decision we make, two things happen. One: We move away from the possibilities that would open from a different choice. Two: We move toward the possibilities and consequences of the current decision.

And the craziest thing is that the outcome of any choice is never known in advance.

Oh, choices. There are so many things impacted by our lives. Yes, we can remain quiet, stealthy, in the background and under the radar. And that is okay. In fact, you can still make a tremendous impact as a supporter. We can also choose to put ourselves out there, to be daring and to stand up for something. We can choose to make the biggest impact possible.  The thing is, you just have to choose. Constant deliberation causes anxiety and frustration, but when you take control and decide what you want to do, you can actually bring more peace to your life.

So, stop. Listen to me for just a second. Take a moment and think back to your senior year of high school. Think about where you started. Reflect on the path you have chosen so far.

Look at the circumstances and situations that played into your choices. What resources did you have at your disposal? What was your life experience leading up to those choices? Who did you surround yourself with? Think about your education, your values, your beliefs. All of that can play into the choices that you make. But the most important thing is to make a choice.

Roll the dice, show your hand. Even a refusal to make a choice, is still a choice. But that choice leads to a lifetime of regret, missed opportunities and lost chances. It is up to us to shape our lives to the very best of our ability. To learn about ourselves, to figure out what we want, and to go for it. That is what I am doing today…

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.“ — Francis of Assisi

Be blessed, my friends!

Shannon Joy