Critically Thinking Out Choices You Make
Critically Thinking Out Choices You Make can indeed lead to a richer life.
I read a story today that brought on an emotional outpouring I didn’t understand. Where did that come from and why did I react so strongly?
The story was about a man going on vacation with his wife and children. He hears a commentator talking about husbands being thoughtful of their wives, “Love is an act of will. A person can choose to love.”
The man decides to purposely choose to act in love no matter what during the entire vacation. The first few days he reminds himself of the choice he’s made, and thereafter, the vacation was a wonderful experience for his entire family.
The last evening of their vacation his wife stares at her husband with the saddest expression.
“What’s the matter?” he asks
“Do you know something I do not?” she asks. “That check up I had several weeks ago…our doctor…did he tell you something about me? You’ve been so good to me…am I dying?”
It took a minute but the husband realized where this came from and burst out laughing,
“No, honey, your not dying; I’m just starting to live!” (Ref: How Love Came Back, by Tom Anderson)
There is great value in individual attention; I wonder how many times in life we forget we have a choice of kindness, a choice to give focused attention to an individual, anyone within our circle of friends, family, acquaintances, even strangers, that could return such richness back to us.
I’m guilty I’m sure of turning down a request for my time and/or attention, all wrapped up in a job, finishing a task I set myself to complete. What did that cost me? We all make choices for ourselves sometimes with the best of intentions, then seemingly get caught up in the achieving instead of the original intention.
Consider the leader who chooses to remember the worth of the individuals who follow them. What would the leader gain by taking time out to give individual attention, let someone know and recognize their value, their importance and unique worth? What would this attention mean to a spouse, a child, student, friend, co-worker, team member or acquaintance?
In true critical fashion, perhaps we should evaluate our choices and ask if the choice at the time has served it’s purpose, needs to be rethought? What would be in Your best interest; Serve Yourself or would it serve Your purpose better by serving others?
We all have busy lives inside the home as well as out; yet we most certainly have a choice on how we live it.
For me, it seems more desirable to chose to live in love and kind intention, with passion rather than being detached, wrapped up in day to day responsibilities that seem to grow larger than life itself, maybe ignoring someone’s request for my time or attention.
I wonder What have I gained, or lost, by the choices I’ve made?
