It is something we do every single natural day, 365 days a year. We do it habitually, without much thought, instinctively, intuitively. We do it automatically and then we are dismissive and go on to do it again. What is this thing that we do so casually most of the time? We make CHOICES!
These everyday choices seem easy and harmless enough. Should I get up a little later this morning? What do I want for breakfast? Or lunch? Or dinner? Should I believe the weather man and take my umbrella when I go out? Should I go to the mall and buy that top I really don’t need?
Should I attack the bills waiting on the desk or wait for tomorrow? Do I really want to go to that meeting? On and on … no earth-shattering decisions. But what happens when choices are more difficult. Related to significant personal or family or financial consequences? People make foolish or wise ones; some are right; others may be wrong. Many may be really good and others so bad they defy explanation. I would surmise that, over the years, we have all experienced choices we have made in each of these categories. When we have made what we perceive to be good choices … in career, marriage, family, home-purchase, friendships, retirement, we express satis-faction. But how do we prevent ourselves from making the bad choices, the ones that can cause regrets, disappointment, render families apart? Is there a warning bell in a person’s head? Some sign or warning? None of us is so wise or perceptive, or blessed with a crystal ball – but perhaps these tips will give you food for thought.
Some CHOICE TIPS:
1. If the choice is one that ends in persona1 disappointment, take ownership for a poor one, shrug it off, and move on.
2. Blessed with a pleasurable choice a book, show, movie, restaurant, recipe, bargain purchase share it with others.
3. When a questionable choice arises, don’t lunge at it in haste. Consider the consequences carefully.
4. When a choice is really troublesome, and you are pushed to the wall with no apparent solution, – stop – look – listen. Talk about the problem with a family member, a trusted friend, a discreet colleague, a clergyman to seek help in examining and clarifying your options.
5. When conflicted about a decision to make a choice between two options, develop a list of PROs and CONs for each. Then weigh the length and strength of each list; It will help you see the better choice more clearly.
6. Reflect on the personal and/or extended effects of a bad choice “Look before you leap.” If your choice is a selfish one, reconsider the alternatives. If the result of your choice is hurtful, take steps to ameliorate the damage – reach out, apologize, do what-ever is possible and appropriate to ease the case or ease the results of the negative effects.
7. When your choice ultimately results indirect consequences for you and your loved ones, accept the fact that you made the wrong choice, and work to rectify the error with remorse, courage and determination
Some choice quotes:
True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice. Ben Jonson
There is small choice in rotten apples. Shakespeare – Lost Labor’s Lost
Guess if you can, choose if you dare. Pierre Corneille
A foot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me. The long path ahead leading wherever I choose. Walt Whitman
Man is affected by all his actions; His heart and his thoughts follow the deeds which he does. Whether good or bad … Love and fear at all times decide the value of every particular act. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have left. Unknown
A Sheffield Tribute
At the end of March, after a very brief period of illness, Sheffield lost one of its most favorite sons – wonderful friend and good neighbor, Eddie Vogel The outpouring of condolences from all over Aberdeen was testimony to the way people felt about Ed. He was notable for his stories, his passion for golf and tennis, his lingering friendships with every-one he ever met, his love of life, particularly his life here at Aberdeen. Above and beyond all that was his devotion to his wife, Elaine, and the three sons and families he never stopped raving about. He was so loyal and supportive, and kind – a real “mench.” He will be missed by all who knew him.
