Currently, it's impending icy, freezing rainy weather. Where I live the infrastructure does not support such weather nor does the power grid. While we do have a few ice trucks, we do not have the amount needed for a widespread ice event. So far, no one seems to be panicking which I think is a good thing.
It does make me think about choices though.
Because, most of the time, there is always a choice. Typically, I don't like using all encompassing words such as always, or never or the like; however, in the case I believe it's true.
There is almost always a choice.
Even if we don't like it.
Let me explain.
How often do we hear people say, have said ourselves, "Well, I don't have a choice." Examine that for a second. If the weather is icy, road conditions are dangerous, and your boss says you must come into work, what is your choice?
Go into work and chance the dangerous conditions.
Don't go into work and be guaranteed safety.
"But," you might say, "If I don't go into work I'll get fired."
"But," you might say, "if I get fired I won't have job and therefore I won't have an income."
Yes. You might get fired. Yes. You may end up not having an income.
Is it worth it? Because you do have a choice.
"But, if I don't have a income that will mean I won't have money for bills and food."
Yes. All that may be true. Does that mean you don't have a choice. Absolutely not.
So here is my questions to you?
Which, of your choices, can you better handle the issues that may arise from each option?
What can that look like? Let's explore that.
The choice of driving to work no matter the road conditions could lead to being late, getting in an accident, or worse. If you are late that could have it's own issues, if you get in a accident there are definitely things that will arise which will have to be handled, and if something worse happens, well, then there are other people left to take care of the issues created. Because you decided you "didn't have a choice," and went to work.
But you do have a choice.
The choice of staying home does bring the possibility of getting fired. Getting fired brings on an entirely new set of issues. Having no income brings up its own problems.
You get the idea.
No matter which choice you make there will be things that happen-both positive and negative-in the choice you make.
So, perhaps, what you need is a change of mindset. Instead of thinking, "I don't have a choice," realize that you are 100% in control of your decision. Realize that no matter what you choose, issues may well arise. Maybe there are no great solutions. Maybe all the choices involved are not great options.
Still, you have a choice.
Maybe it's a matter of what's the best bad options. All the options are not good, but which one is the best out them.
Choose anyway. Take back your power in the situation. Accept the outcomes that you can see, and know there may be things you can't see. Don't let that detour you. You be in charge of the decisions you have to make.
You do, indeed, have a choice.
Choose wisely.