When it comes down to it, who we are is defined
by the choices we make.
Personality type, intelligence, genes, and life
circumstances all play a role in why we are
where we are in life. But within these
parameters, we have a myriad of choices
available to us.
Some of those choices can enhance, override, or
totally negate elements of the parameters.
There's a whole lot of power in choice -- power
for positive change and power for unpleasant
outcomes.
Many of the choices and decisions we make in
life, especially in our younger years, are made
from ignorance, fear, or a lack of self-
awareness. But time and experience teach us
which choices and actions lead to regret and
those that lead to happiness, fulfillment, and
peace of mind.
In my half-century (+) of living, here are a
few of the choices 'I've never regretted --
choices that have contributed to my happiness,
health, and overall peace of mind.
1. Express your real feelings even if you are
scared or uncomfortable.
2. Cease trying to change the significant
people in your life. Accept and love them as
they are or move on.
3. Acknowledge mistakes and ask for
forgiveness.
4. Talk to a counselor or coach when you cant
work it out yourself.
5. Give away the clothes you haven't worn in
the last year.
6. Stop gossiping about others.
7. Come home from work early to spend time with
your family.
8. Do the thing you've been dreaming about for
years.
9. Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your
day.
10. Ask for what you need from your spouse or
partner.
11. Give your spouse or partner what they need.
12. Learn a new skill every year.
13. Give a warm smile and a dollar to the
homeless guy on the street (even if you aren't
sure how the dollar will be spent).
14. Let go of a relationship that is draining
you or causing heartache.
15. Under-schedule rather than over-scheduling
your life.
16. Learn to meditate and practice meditation
regularly.
17. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier.
18. Tell the truth even when it is embarrassing
or difficult.
19. Spend less time in front of the computer,
television, or smart phone.
20. Say 'I love you' every single day.
21. Let go of grudges and anger as quickly as
possible. Be quick to forgive.
22. Take the job you love, even if it pays you
less.
23. Be appropriately honest with your children
at all times.
24. Spend less on material things so you can
afford more experiences.
25. Make a decision, even when you aren't sure,
rather than languishing in uncertainty.
26. Take a stand for something you know is
right, even if it's unpopular.
27. Allow yourself to be silly, goofy, and
carefree.
28. Care less about what others think of you.
29. Focus intently on the task or action at
hand and savor it fully.
30. Take a few moments every day to acknowledge
and reflect on the good in your life.
31. Say yes when you mean yes and no when you
mean no.
32. Plan in advance for something fun to do on
the weekend.
33. Spend within your means. Seek help to get
out of debt.
34. Plan and take the trip of a lifetime.
35. Become proficient with your computer.
36. Spend time with people in the generation
behind you and learn from them.
37. Clean out the clutter and unnecessary stuff
in your home.
38. Give up junk food and fast food, and eat
more vegetables.
39. Say yes when someone needs your time,
support, or a helping hand.
40. Make love even if you don't feel like it at
the moment you're asked.
41. Step outside to look at a full moon, a
shooting star, a rainbow, or a snowfall.
42. Play games with your family.
43. Offer praise to someone who deserves it,
even when you feel jealous.
44. Do whatever you can to change anything you
hate about your life. Exhaust all
possibilities.
45. Don't argue about politics or religion.
46. Take action in spite of fear.
47. Accept failure as a step in learning rather
than an end result or life sentence.
48. Listen to your body and intuition as guides
for changing behaviors or decisions.
49. Clean the dishes before you go to bed.
50. Drive carefully, calmly, and non-
aggressively, even if it means you'll be late.
51. Choose the funny movie over the violent
one.
52. Learn to enjoy your own company.
53. If you have the choice to sit it out or
dance, dance!
Vriti Edustore
