The Power of Choice A column providing motivation to create an inspired life! By: Angie Lund - Motivational Speaker & Life Coach
Life is about choice, not chance. However, many do not understand this and let life situations and reactionary emotions dictate life experience. Instead, understand life happens through you, not to you. When you connect with this belief and recognize that you have the ability to choose who you are and how to react in any given situation, you will take control of your life and create the best life possible. Be aware of this power. Embrace it.
I was first introduced to this concept when I was a teenager. While visiting my friend one day, I witnessed an argument between her and her mother. At the point of climax my friend yells, «Mom, you make me so mad», and leaves to room with teenage flair. To that her mother responds, «I don't make you mad; you make yourself feel that way.»
This was profound. The light bulb went on immediately as I meditated on those words. It was a defining moment, an epiphany for my emotional life. I immediately decided that I would no longer allow myself to succumb to my emotional tirades. That I would take control and realize I could make the choice to let others make me angry or I could choose something else. When I was angry I would take responsibility for that emotion, understanding I control my reaction. I can choose anger or I can let it go. I can choose hate or I can choose forgiveness. I can choose to let someone else dictate my life or I can create my own story.
What do you choose? Look at your life for a moment and see how your choices have created your current situation. Are you holding anger and resentment about situations in your past? Understand that no matter what has happened, no matter how trivial or significant, you have the power to let it go and move beyond it. Holding onto anger gives others power over you. That anger dictates further choices and feeds additional resentment. It can be a challenge to escape this pattern of negativity. But, you can.
When something happens that makes you angry, feel the feelings. There is something to them. Don't deny them, validate them. Look at why the situation made you react the way you did. Try to understand the emotions. Did they do or say something that touched an insecurity? Did something happen that caused you to lose trust in someone you love? Do you feel violated in some way? Do you feel that you are not being heard? Recognize the root of the anger, deal with the emotions and then get rid of them. Release yourself from the grasp of the situation. Forgiveness is freeing. Focus on what you can learn and how the circumstance will make you grow. There is always a lesson to learn, even when you cannot conceive what that lesson could possibly be. Keep your eyes open. There was something there. You will see it eventually, if not immediately, someday.
Angela Lund is the executive director of STAR Strategies a life and laughter coach, motivational speaker, and talk radio host. Angie has a sincere interest in helping all achieve their dreams. She works with individuals, businesses, and athletic teams, as well as city, state and national organizations who are interested in soaring to new heights. Her professional philosophy embraces the idea that when you connect to your STAR qualities you move yourself, your business, and your team forward much faster with greater results. Her presence is one of contagious enthusiasm and her motivating and inspiring style enhances the coaching/speaking experience. Angie lives in Fargo, North Dakota with her husband Jeff and their two boys, Tyler and Carter. She loves meeting new people, dancing, reading and singing in the shower.
