Choice

While watching Spongebob with my six year old, I was overcome with envy. OOHHH, to see the world from such a simple and optimistic view like our little yellow sponge friend. Before I knew it, envy became frustration. Frustration became happiness…almost a giddiness. You may be wondering if I have completely gone mad…well, that is debatable. Either way, I had a realization. A pretty overwhelmingly awesome one at that. I realized that I have complete control over my happiness. Yep. The ULTIMATE power. I am able to choose what I want to focus on. I control how I perceive any situation in my life. One of my favorite quotes goes a little something like “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” by Epictetus. This quote has proven controversial over the past decade of using it while leading groups or teaching at conferences. Some cannot fathom the thought that we choose to suffer. I promise you that this statement is truth. Pain will happen to us as long as we are breathing. We will experience physical, mental, and emotional pain. The way we choose to view my world becomes my reality. If we view the world as bad, untrustworthy, corrupt, and filled with negativity, the suffering is overwhelming. If we see others as the human beings we all are, AND we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with each other, the connection can be overwhelming. If we all work together on this, we can surely create a world filled with compassion, understanding, empathy, and love. Today, I aspire to be Spongebob. Today, I choose positivity. Today, I choose connection. I challenge you to do the same.

Much love, LJ