Choose Extraordinary

     I woke up this morning thinking about what I would do today. It lead me to think that each day we are faced with a multitude of choices. Each of these choices is like a mile marker on our road through the day. But perhaps it is more than that. In fact, choice is more than just a marker on our daily path. Choice is what defines us. What we choose is what makes our lives ordinary or extraordinary.

     I think everyone would say they would choose extraordinary if they could, but then they come up with a list of reasons why they must remain ordinary. Bless your hearts. Such martyrs!

      Before you choose to be offended know that every choice is an opportunity. Some small. Some large and earth shaking, but opportunity none-the-less.

     Think back to your first concious thought today. Move on to the next one and then the next. Can you map how that first thought set your day? We have programmed ourselves over the years to automatically think certain things and set our day automatically. What if you lay in bed for an extra minute or so and changed your first thought of the day? Instead of “Ugh I have to get up and ...” you thought “No matter what, this is going to be a great day!”

     Ok I agree, happy bubbly thoughts first thing in the morning are tough to come by, but consider how long you have been automatically thinking “ugh” when you first wake up. When did you choose to start thinking that way? I remember being a teenager and thinking that way. But, I also remember being a preteen and bouncing out of bed ready to see what the new day would bring. Somewhere between childhood and my teen years I conciously began to wake up and dread the day. It took time, but I wake up now and think that the day is filled with endless possibility. That is how I choose to start my day. A concious thought is just that. It's a choice to change current programming.

     Think of it this way. There is only you in your head. Oh sure the voices of those around us intrude and add their thoughts and opinions, but again here we have a choice. Quiet the other voices (gag them if you must). Listen to the one that matters most. Yours. This is your day full of choice. How will you choose today?

      To me this is like opening gifts. I have been given the gift of today. Oh sure there are obligations awaiting me. People expecting things of me, tasks that want my attention. But everything from the moment I wake up requires me to make a choice.

     Do I choose to dread today and every task I encounter, or wait, can I decide to feel differently about my day? I used to hate household chores. Dishes, laundry and making my bed. But now I choose to think of these things as fun. The fun part being that when I am done, my living space is neat, clean, tidy and organized. It makes being home just that much more relaxing and enjoyable. It also has the added benefit of not worrying about inviting anyone over, because I already know that my house is neat, clean and tidy and I will not feel compelled to clean just to have company.

     Everyone, has this opportunity to change their thoughts. EVERYONE. Yes even the person who has been bound and gagged and tied up as a captive has a choice regarding how they feel that day.

     What binds you? What choices have you made that hold you captive? Is it possible to change how you see your life? Is it possible to remove the bonds and free your choices?

     Yes. It is possible. We drive our choices each and every day. We decide whether our day will be happy, stressful or downright drudgery. We choose how we greet each person we encounter. Choose to greet the people around you with a cheerful “Good Morning” as opposed to a prickly “Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee” and see how your perspective changes.

     That first choice of the day can be the catalyst for the avalanche of change.

     Oh dear, did I say change? I most certainly did. Change the way you choose and your life will change.

     I dare you.

     Choose Extraordinary.