We all have choice, free will (wonderfully!). And each action and thought we carry out every day, is done by choice. I didn't always understand this. I thought that the circumstances of my life were what led to the actions I took each day, from the friends I hung out with to the job I went to. I resented my job; I didn't believe true friendships were possible for me in a new town; but luckily, I experienced a shift.
If you've followed my blog you know that several years ago I left my corporate career to teach yoga. Teaching yoga was a wonderful experience, and I could write a book about all I learned during that two-year journey, but one thing I learned is that that lifestyle wasn't for me. In the end I chose to go back to my corporate job (same company, same job!), and what a difference going to work each day is for me now.
I used to think that I was stuck in that job because it was the only one available for me when I relocated to Naples from NYC. I used to think it was too stressful and that I didn't like the work. But the two year hiatus taught me that I actually did enjoy the work and that other jobs were available, yet I chose this one because it allowed me to use my strengths and supported what I finally realized was important to me.
On Monday I went back to work after almost two full weeks of Christmas holiday vacation. And I was excited to do so! I choose that job and am happy with my choice. (If I ever become unhappy with it, I will change.) You see, we don't have control over the circumstances of our lives that we are dealt, but we always have a choice how we respond to them and the feelings and thoughts we tie to them.
Some may think, "Well I have children. I have no choice - I must do this job to support them." But, you do have a choice. You could choose a different job. You could choose not to work. You could choose to give your children up for adoption or live a different lifestyle. Change your thinking. Are you going to live your life in anger and bitterness? Or joy and gratitude? The choice is yours.
