Good Morning and Happy Monday!

The word layers is a term that applies to many different facets of our lives. There are layers of depth or understanding, layers in graphics, layers of a cake, and clothing layers. My guess is that there were many layers in your life this week. I’ll also wager that, with each layer, you had an opportunity to make a choice, maybe several choices.

Each day we face many choices. There are complicated choices, as in making an informed decision in a challenging situation when not many excellent solutions present themselves. Choices can be easy, as well, like choosing between several favorite activities.   

The choices we make involve work challenges that might crash into our sense of integrity or control. Or they can be linked with our wellbeing, such as how best to care for our bodies given the current condition of overall health. Likewise, and perhaps most poignantly, choices can reflect our sense of self, how we choose to view ourselves, regard our talents, and honor our right to have agency over our lives.

This quote from an unknown source addresses how and what we choose:

I choose to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, … | Quotable quotes, Self pity, Self esteem

Following are some others’ thoughts on choice:

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”  Nelson Mandela

“Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice.” Unknown

“I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it’s only a choice of attitude.” Judith M. Knowlton

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” Williams James

And in Scripture, we read:

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

These thoughts reflect the responsibility we have to contemplate our options with intentionality before we make choices. If we live by choice, we take ownership throughout life. We have agency. We make changes, become motivated, we utilize our skills and talents to excel, thus increasing our vision. We seek wisdom from our spiritual base and trusted counsel rather than sway with the random critiques of people we don’t know.

Whether you’re working in a leadership role, counseling others, or seeking to improve your quality of life, embracing the ability to choose and modeling the same will sustain positive change.  

Try looking for opportunities to exercise your right of choice this week. It might just open your mind to a broader perspective and worldview!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda