Today more than ever we have almost unlimited choices on where we can live, work and play. Technology has opened up the world to us, enabling us to envision life beyond our borders. We have choices in entertainment, travel, transportation, medical care and college degrees. From the time we wake up in the morning we are faced with a myriad of options of how to spend our days and with whom. Sometimes the enormity of choices and decisions can feel overwhelming. Intuitively we know that if we say yes to something we want today, we are automatically saying no to other things we may desire in the future. We have autonomy. We create our own values and have authorship in designing a meaningful life. That’s why it is so important to dig deep and determine what we really want in life. What is most important? What is worth the price?
What sacrifices are we willing to make today for a more satisfying life tomorrow?
Navigating Choices
In some ways, everything is a trade-off. This recently became very clear to me as I was building a new home in Greenville, SC. I needed some new furniture for my home and wanted the main living areas to be furnished and ready for entertaining. I also had been dreaming about a train trip over the holidays through Switzerland to experience the sights and sounds of the quaint, charming Christmas markets. On a retirement income, I could not do both. I had to decide what I wanted more and why. For me, decorating my home took priority because I could enjoy it every day and celebrate my good fortune with family and friends throughout the year.
Mindfulness in Action
Mindfulness and intention go hand in hand. I would invite you to take a look at your calendar over the past couple months. What do you see? Is it filled with activities you enjoy? Does your calendar reflect the level of importance you place on spending quality time with friends? As you examine your commitments, are there any you wish you would not have made? Do you see standard commitments that at one time brought you fulfillment, but now feel more like an obligation? Going forward, what would you like to change?
Financial Reflections
Similarly, I would like to invite you to take a look at your bank statements over the last few months. What do you see? What does your financial picture look like? Are you feeling stressed over the weight of your financial burden? What might you do to relieve some of the pressure? What options might you explore? Would downsizing, refinancing, or debt consolidation be a possibility? What are you willing to sacrifice today for a more financially healthy future tomorrow?
As you contemplate the things in life you want to embrace and say yes to, I would like to share a poem with you:
This is the beginning of a new day.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
” When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure – in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it. “
Author unknown
Today, I want to commit to being more mindful of the choices that I make and the impact they have on my life. I want to be intentional about the things I say yes to.
How about you?
I invite you to share your experiences or reflections on decision making?
What strategies have you found helpful in charting your course?