Thankful Decisions

“Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. And once you know and accept that, life becomes much simpler.”
~ Isabel Moore

Choices have consequences that stalk us like a shadow. The effects of decisions made early in life affect our wealth, relational health, and emotional wellbeing. Since it’s incredibly difficult to elude or escape them, the wisest course of action is to make choices early in life that have helpful rather than harmful repercussions.

CONTINUE TO GROW THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE.

Many people stop studying once they finish school, but learning pays dividends beyond earning a diploma. Growth positions you to take advantage of opportunities and grooms you for ever-increasing responsibility. Growth also brings happiness; it’s fulfilling to feel that we’re tapping into our potential. Moreover, growth enables you to give. The more you grow, the more seeds you have to sow into the lives of the people around you.

GIVE AND SERVE ON THE FRONT END.

It’s common to approach relationships cautiously, asking “what’s in it for me?” before extending a helping hand. However, it’s far more rewarding not to wait until you’re certain of getting something out of a relationship before you’re willing to invest in it. When you serve on the front end, you unlock the benefits of reciprocity. Occasionally others will take advantage of your goodwill, but far more often people will respond to your support with grateful generosity.

EXHIBIT A GREAT ATTITUDE REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION.

Attitude isn’t everything, but it is one thing that can make an incredible difference in your life. As Virginia Satir said, “Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can always choose what happens in us.

We can control our thoughts, and our thoughts eventually give shape to our emotions. Thus, we can take responsibility for our feelings by changing one thing: the way we think. Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought. The key, then, is to dwell on life’s blessings and not its burdens, to see life’s possibilities over and above its pain, and to look for the best in people rather than finding their faults.

CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY

When leaders put their family first, their spirit prospers and their community benefits. When leaders put their community first, their family, community, and personal wellbeing all suffer. The most lasting legacy you can leave is the one you build at home. Success in life comes when those who know you best, love and respect you the most.