Tiny Shift

One of the things I figured out over the last few weeks is just how much choice I have in how I feel. It came as sort of a revelation to me that I have a choice when it comes to how I respond, not only to other people but to problems and circumstances. I don't have to simply react.

It was stunning for me to realize that I don't have to face everything from a health issue to a flat tire to a forgotten hoodie with the emotional equivalent of a tsunami.

In fact when faced with almost anything my default response is suffering, as in, Oh no! This thing, this terrible thing that I now must deal with!

The terrible thing will still have to be dealt with, no doubt, but I do not have to suffer as a consequence. In fact, I've been thinking this little phrase to myself a least a couple of times a day: you do not have to choose suffering.

This tiny shift has radically changed the way I approach almost everything.