Choices

August 2022

This morning, while out walking, I passed several people. One glanced my way and nodded, one looked at the ground as he passed by, and one looked directly at me and gave me a big smile. 

I don’t really seek out interaction with others. I have that East Coast “why would I stop and chat with someone on the street when I have places to be?!” mentality. I walk fast and with a purpose. I am usually the one with her head down or glancing quickly and giving a little nod. Smiles at strangers? Not usually.

The interactions this morning made me realize that there is always a choice. The other people chose how they would interact with me. And I chose how I would interact with them. The person who gave me a big smile made me feel warm and positive and gave me the momentum to keep going. The other two seemed to be on autopilot, and I realized that is how I must appear to others. Going through the motions. One of the people made my day with their smile. Whose day am I making just rushing along minding my own business? Who am I helping?

We have choices every minute of every day. And in our own lives we also have choices. We can choose to take care of our bodies, relationships, minds, and souls…or we can choose not to. We can choose to get rest and to honor our bodies, honor the lives we are trying to create through health and wellness, or we can choose to overextend ourselves. Every choice we make determines the future.

This morning, after those simple interactions with the other people, I decided that I want to have a different legacy. I don’t want to be the woman who hurries by and barely notices the world around her. I want to see other people, because when I look and actually see, I may be able to help. I may be able to give some gift to a stranger who needs a smile or an encouraging word. If I am rushing around, I am not completely in tune with my body and mind and may miss some of my own needs.

Today I decided to make different choices. And realizing that I have the freedom to choose, that I always have choices and options, brings me a feeling of peace and gratitude.