Choices

"It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

J. K. Rowling

“Choices”, a powerful word.  When I was working at my previous employer I saw many paths but ignored them.  I made a choice not to go - to play it safe.  Maybe there are voices in your head or there are some people out there saying “you are crazy to think of doing XYZ,” but in your heart you see a path.  We all have this amazing gift called “choice”.  

When I lost my hearing I made the choice not to panic and investigate how to cope, how to get support, and how to find the best technology to get some sound back.  I am not really talking about the small choices we make daily (though I don’t minimize those because for some getting out of bed is not easy), but the big ones like changing career paths or getting married. When we face an important decision, we need supportive friends to help us make the right choice.  In the popular film and book series, Harry Potter had to make some difficult choices.  Did he make those choices alone?  Do you think it was easier for him to chose which path to take having his supportive friends there with him?  

Last Thursday morning I received a text message from my manager asking when I would be coming into work.  I thought it an odd message since she knows my schedule. Moments after I arrived at work my position was terminated.  I was one of many laid off that day.  Now, I could get really upset and put up a fight. I could say they didn’t give me sufficient accommodations.  But when I look at the whole picture my company gave me a lot, and I am thankful for that.  When we chose to see more than one path we gain so much more clarity about our present state of mind and sometimes our future.  I feel sad when I hear people bad mouthing past companies or even relationships - just move on.

My challenge to you this coming week or month is to seek paths - more than one.