Choosing your responses

I talk a lot about choices. Whether it's choosing to be happy or positive or choosing to tell your story in a way that shows your blessings rather than in a way that focuses on your disappointments—whatever it is, I believe in choices.

Sometimes it's a challenge, though, isn't it? Early last week a situation arose that was starting me down the path of resentment. "Oh, no," I thought, "I don't want to go down this road. I want to nip this before I really get a good start on anger, resentment and a full-blown pity party!" However, I couldn't just let go of it. My mind kept circling back to how I felt diminished by the situation.

Finally I got proactive and suggested something for all the participants in this particular event that would be life-giving and affirming to everyone involved. It would value us all. I felt so much better—and especially felt good when my suggestion was taken. Being proactive in a positive way felt better than stewing in a pot of resentment. It was about being authentic, about making a choice—one that was good for me but also valued everyone else involved. I do believe that the more I practice such responses, the more of a habit they'll become.

Now if I can just remember that the next time I'm faced with something similar! Soon positive responses will be a habit.