Choice

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"Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, professor, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger), but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way. And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart." (From Story of Life - Author Unknown)

As we move through life, we are given choices.  These choices create who and what we are.  Sometimes, we make choices that send us in a direction that isn't healthy for mind, body and/or spirit.  That is when people come into our lives to guide and inspire us...if we choose to be open and listen.

Each of us is both the person who inspires as well as the person for whom inspiration is needed.  We, once again, are given a choice of accepting these roles. 

When disaster strikes, we can blame the world; close the doors and windows; cry until our tears run dry or curl up into a ball waiting for death to take us.  OR, we can throw open the windows; let the light in and rise above the pain into life, helped by those who surround us and through whom we can gain strength. We can accept the lifelines thrown our way, allowing ourselves to be pulled to shore.  

John Prine put it in other words, "You can gaze out the window get mad and get madder, Throw your hands in the air, say "What does it matter?" But it don't do no good to get angry, So help me I know For a heart stained in anger grows weak and grows bitter. You become your own prisoner as you watch yourself sit there Wrapped up in a trap of your very own Chain of sorrow."

Bad things happen...everyday.  How we face them is our choice. If you are in pain or suffering, reach out...take a hand. Once you find equilibrium, don't just go forward...look around. Help someone else out of the muck and mire of pain and suffering.

May we all be open to the wisdom of those around us and may we, then, share that wisdom with others.

To hear John Prine's song go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3M2UsGjG8
 

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