Decisions

A battle rages within each of us. A conflict that begins when we are old enough to make choices and continues to our last breath. We are born with a free will. This makes us venerable to desires, cravings and fears. We are at the mercy of comfort’s call and the path of least resistance. The weapons we possess to fight back; self respect, our personal values and the strength of our will.

We make decisions from our first waking moment. Some people will begin each day with the determination to do the best they can. Others will give in to temptations and lower, ever further, their sense of worth. The value systems we have been designing all our lives determines which decisions will be made. We all know people that are always late, punctuality is not a value for them. People who cheat on the ones they pledged loyalty to, don’t value the commitments they make. There are values that have stood the test of time and proven worth acquiring. Accepting responsibility for their own actions is a value many successful people share.

Some of the hardest battles are fought by those who have made the decision to turn their lives around. Years of neglecting mind and body have taken a toll. They might be in poor health, with low self esteem and a future that promises more of the same. But taking responsibility will lift the fog and a better path will appear. Understanding that the situation, they find themselves in, is a direct result of choices made, is the first step toward positive changes. When people realize their value and can take control of their decisions, healing can begin.

Life style changes will gain momentum as making good decisions start showing positive results. Going to bed at a reasonable hour, instead of falling asleep in front of the TV, becomes easier when we lie down at the end of the day tired from accomplishment. Choosing healthy food is not so hard when we learn to value the body that the food will nourish. Exercise comes naturally when we are happy with our life and want to prolong it as long as possible. As more battles are won, not only will our self respect increase, but we will earn the respect of others as well. Once better choices are made, everything will change.

The conflict is never ending, but each win makes us stronger. We must always keep the fact that we are worth the effort foremost in our mind. The reward for making good decisions is a life of health and wellness. Strong self respect empowers us to want to choose the better paths.

It's not just a step, it's a start.

Dave