Choices that can change your life!

By Rhonda Jacobs

Having spent numerous years in the realm of healing arts, I'm an observer. Practitioners like me are fascinated by perplexing patterns - the enigmas behind ailments and breakdowns, the paths to recovery. The mysteries among us persist despite our studies, highlighting an ongoing journey of self-discovery. This implies that our inner landscapes remain uncharted, with our role as observers evolving. We're continually learning to observe, exploring new dimensions within ourselves and the world we perceive. Consider our internal domain, the realm behind our eyes, a new frontier - a frontier of fascination and self-exploration. We're captivated by our own existence, more so than previous generations, marking ourselves as this uncharted terrain. Thus, studying the origins of illness and healing transcends its historical significance, taking on a new dimension in the world we now inhabit.

As I reflect on three and a half decades of interacting with individuals, I've distilled insights into the concept of choice. The emphasis here lies in the power of choice. In a hypothetical scenario where I wielded global influence - and I hope you'd concur - I'd advocate for integrating the study of choice into educational curricula. Recognizing the boundless consequences linked to our decisions, from the mundane to the monumental, is pivotal. However, discerning what choices hold substantial influence can be paradoxically elusive. We tend to assume that major decisions are unequivocally impactful: buying a house, marriage, divorce. Yet, surprisingly, these aren't the prime determinants of well-being or healing. In fact, it's the inconspicuous decisions we make privately, often dismissed as insignificant, that wield the most substantial influence. Such choices resonate powerfully through our biology, psyche, identity, and overall life trajectory. Although I lack tangible proof to present in a basket, I urge you to connect intuitively with these concepts, as they may resonate deeply within you.

Let's delve into these transformative choices. Imagine someone seeking guidance with persistent afflictions, plagued by chronic emotional states and exhaustion. This uniqueness sets us apart in grappling with such challenges. Within this context, we're born cognizant of a fundamental truth: choice is potent. Our inherent understanding of this power paradoxically leads to trepidation. Curiously, while we're born knowing this, we're also terrified of the implications. Decision-making unnerves many, often prompting deferment. The weight of outcomes, the fear of humiliation, accountability, and the unknown deter us from embracing choices fully. This apprehension resonates deeply with our vulnerabilities. Yet, addressing this fear and consciously navigating our choices is crucial.

First, I advocate for embracing integrity in its fullest sense, aligning actions with beliefs. Rather than mere good intentions, this entails resolute action, unswayed by compromising circumstances. This commitment refrains from imposing discomfort on others for our satisfaction. Honesty underpins true healing, as deceit erodes our connection with self and the world. Integrating integrity into our lives constitutes a substantial healing step, transcending the blame-game that often obscures our path.

The second pivotal choice involves passing on wisdom rather than suffering. From the trove of experiences, we're poised to share insight or misery. The decision rests with us: share lessons learned or perpetuate pain. Such a perspective refocuses our narrative, paving the way for personal transformation through suffering rather than succumbing to it. This choice heralds a shift from "why me" to "what can I learn," fostering resilience.

Embracing the third choice encourages risk-taking, relinquishing the quest for certainty. Often tethered to regret, our illnesses compel us to reflect on life's missed opportunities. This stems from evading risks for fear of failure or humiliation. However, this stance hampers our vitality and joy. A shift towards embracing uncertainty can fuel personal growth, evoking a sense of empowerment.

Choosing words judiciously constitutes another vital step. Words encapsulate vast universes, each carrying unique resonance. I encourage you to discard words that hinder growth and replace them with empowering ones. Self-awareness around language transforms our perceptions, lending us a more constructive internal dialogue. This micro-level change resonates macroscopically, enhancing our overall well-being.

Lastly, cultivating gratitude for each day is pivotal. Blessing our days solely for the privilege of existence, unattached to external circumstances, rejuvenates our perspective. The understanding that each day is fleeting yet invaluable invites us to cherish the present. The sentiment of "this day will never recur" sheds bitterness and infuses life with grace and beauty.

In conclusion, our lives are an ongoing tapestry of choices, each contributing to our holistic well-being. These choices, when aligned with integrity, wisdom, courage, language, and gratitude, steer us toward healing and transformative growth. While empirical evidence may be elusive, I implore you to internalize these ideas and allow your heart and intuition to validate their resonance.