The Freedom of Choice
The Freedom of ChoiceChoices! Throughout our everyday lives, we constantly make them. What to wear, what to eat, where to go, and how to get there. Those are just a few examples of the routine choices we make daily. Sometimes, our choices can be far more profound and complex. Regardless, it is these choices that lead us to success or failure and ultimately shape how people view us.
Every now and then someone will comment to me about how courageous they think I am. Or sometimes they will say, "You are such an inspiration." Although these comments are extremely complementary, I'm not really comfortable with them. I don't totally agree with my being described in this way. I believe everyone possesses the ability to be courageous and to inspire others. It all depends on the choices one makes in life.
For example, it doesn't matter who you are or what your age is. Sooner or later, chances are something bad it is going to happen to you. It doesn't matter whether you're rich or poor, live in the midst of a large city or choose the lifestyle of a rural setting. Regardless of your ethnicity or religious beliefs, eventually something bad is going to happen in your life. There's no escaping it.
It may be the loss of someone you love or perhaps a tragic accident or injury. It might be a divorce or the unexpected loss of your job. Sometime within your life you are probably going to experience something you never expected, planned on, or even imagined could happen to you. It will hit you like a ton of bricks and make your head spin. You'll feel out of control, totally confused, and in search of the answer to the question "Why?"
I say this not to scare or depress anyone. I simply want to share the fact that, whatever may happen, no matter how bad it may seem at the time, you will in all likelihood survive. However, your life and how it unfolds afterward will depend on one thing. A choice you make.
Obviously, you do not have total control over many of the things that happen to you. Things happen, oftentimes randomly. However, the one thing you do have control of is how you react to those things that do happen to you. It is a choice you make. It is that ability to choose that will determine, not only the emotional quality of the rest of your life, but most likely the quality of your relationships with others; the lifestyle you lead, etc. as well.
It is this philosophy that I have come to embrace as a result of my injury. Although I did not choose to break my neck, I did choose how I would react to what happened. It is in that way that I am no different than anyone else; I made a choice.
The human spirit is the remarkable thing that should never be doubted or underestimated. This spirit is within everyone. Somewhere, deep down inside everyone, is the ability not only to choose how one might react to a personal tragedy but also find the spirit to carry on with life positively. Yes, everyone possesses that spirit.
Whenever I hear someone comment about how courageous I am or how much inspiration I may give him or her, I can't help but respond by pointing out that they too possess the ability to be courageous or inspirational. It all depends on the choices they make in life; what road they choose to take.
I see myself as no different than anyone else; no better or worse, no more courageous or inspirational. I've experienced good times and bad times. Things happened to me just as they happen to everyone. However, I choose to react positively when bad things happen to me. It's not always easy but it is always a choice that I have. When making a choice, I am confident that I possess the spirit to carry on.