Have You Voted Today
Huh? You're probably wondering when this article was written, and probably thinking that this article is about a recent election. Well, it is and, it isn't.
Webster's Dictionary defines voting, in part, as choosing or deciding. In that respect, you likely make choices and decide many things in the course of a day?which means you have probably voted several times today!
OK, so now what? Where am I going with this? Just because the most recent Election Day as come and gone does not mean that you longer have to consider voting. The great thing as a human being is the fact that you always get a vote ? even when you don't think that what you have done has registered.
Your votes ? your choices and decisions ? always register. They always affect someone, something, somewhere. Even it's just you in the moment you cast your vote, or when you choose not to. There is no greater power than the freedom we have to always choose.
Sometimes it may not seem as though there is anything to choose. How often I used to say, "I don't have a choice!" Well, I may not have like my choices ? which is a different story ? but I always had options to choose from.
I came to realize that my whole life I have voted, even many times when I didn't even realize that it was going to count. But everything I have ever done has been up for a vote ? consciously or unconsciously. I started to realize that I could make more powerful decisions by making them, and making them consciously (oh, how I didn't want to sometimes!). However, I realized that without my conscious vote, I was still making choices, but often I was left feeling quite unhappy.
When something isn't working, I now realize I have essentially 3 choices:
- Stay with how things are
- Change/Alter my perspective
- Walk away
All 3, every time. Looking at it that way, it makes it very difficult for me to use the "I don't have a choice!" statement ever again. Oh! Sorry, I should have warned you that was coming. After all, if you see validity in it for yourself, it will also make it difficult for you, as well. The good thing is, though, you are still safe if you want to choose to keep your "I don't have a choice" perspective intact!
However, if you're open to the perspective, what do these choices mean?
Let's start with one very important thing that they don't mean. They do not include an option to control a situation or to alter or change another person, their attitudes, or their perspective.
What they do mean is that the solution to anything lies within you ? and can only come from you. Yuck! I know, it really stunk for me what I realized that I had to stop looking outside of myself. After all, it'd be so much easier if the other person would just change, or see it my way, you know?
Well, we all know how easy it is to "get" another person to change, right?
I'll tell you a secret, though, one of these 3 options actually has a pretty good possibility of changing how another person acts. Can you guess which one? If you guess #1 or #3, maybe you have some insight for me. My answer, though, is #2.
Can you guess why?
When our perspective changes, we change. We act differently. When we act differently, those around us will likely react differently to what we do and say. Because we are not being the same as we've always been, they will likely not be, either.
It was difficult to shift perspectives in the beginning?but it got easier over time, in part due to seeing the results. I had often heard if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. It's a great thing ? as long as you like what you've got.
It's your life, you can vote any which way you want to. Your votes will take you all kinds of places ? places sometimes you may not even want to be. Consider that it's your votes that got you there in the first place, and it's your votes that can take you somewhere else. Don't like where you are? Vote again. In the process, also consider seeing situations and choices in terms of "different" and in the light of whether or not it works for you, does it get you what you want, rather than in terms of "good" or "bad." It will likely allow you to be much kinder to yourself and others, and make new choices easier to make.
Sometimes it is necessary to get some outsider input. Just make certain that it's not someone who has a stake in your "needing to change." I got some news for you ? contrary to what others may say ? you never need to change one bit. You can choose (vote) to stay exactly as you are. Just make sure, though, that the person you are gets you the things you want and need. If that is not happening, you still don't need to change, but you may want to consider moving a few things around so you can have more of what you want, and be more of who you'd like to be.
Remember that choice comes from within, and is not dictated by an outside source. Outside sources will appear to limit how far you can go, what you can do, what is possible. They can attempt to persuade you that they have the ability to restrict the world in which you live, but choice allows for creativity which has a magical effect on any situation. There is always SOMETHING you can do. The question isn't so much "what?" as "are you willing?"
The world that appears around you is actually a creation of your outward expression that comes from that which is within you. Consider that your life, and what you experience, is not something that happens to you, but happens because of you.
Your life is not up to a situation you find yourself in.
It is not up to someone else.
It is up to you, and each and every vote counts.
©2005 Essa Alraune.
Essa has a varied, non-judgmental, and fun approach to the work she does as a StressBusterBuddy. She works primarily with individuals on a one-on-one basis, and is the Author and Publisher of a mindful meditation CD. To learn more about Essa, her CD, or to listen to her online recordings, visit http://www.StopKickingYourself.com/ or call 212.560.7582 (where you can also hear a 3-minute Relieve Stress Recording ? only local, toll, or long distance charges apply).
 Google News Updated : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:51:33 GMT European, Asian markets bounce back - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - LONDON (AP) - European markets opened strongly Monday following Asia's lead in response to the widespread government efforts over the weekend to shore up the world's troubled financial system. The financial crisis A light at the end of the tunnel? World stock markets welcome European bank rescue Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:23:04 GMT Fantastic finishes: 5 NFL games down to the wire - Washington Post
Washington Post - Dallas Cowboys' Mat McBriar (1) has his punt blocked by Arizona Cardinals' Sean Morey as Monty Beisel (52) looks on during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Blocked punt downs Dallas Backups Burst Through Line and Lift Cardinals in Overtime Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:15:50 GMT Dodgers stand up to Phillies in Game 3 win - FOXSports.com
FOXSports.com - by Ken Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX. LA revitalized at Moyer's expense Kuroda's pitch serves its purpose for Dodgers Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:00:36 GMT Forecast: Summery Sunshine Sticks Around - Washington Post
Washington Post - Columbus Day will feel a lot more like Labor Day as temperatures climb to around 80 degrees. This unseasonably warm weather will continue for the next several days. Enjoy a warm, sunny Columbus Day Beautiful start to the work week Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:03:26 GMT UK government takes stake in three banks - CNN International
CNN International - LONDON, England (CNN) -- The British government on Monday said it would make a multi-billion investment in three of the country's major banks to help them through the "first financial crisis of the global age. In quotes: Bank bail-out reaction TEXT-Lloyds TSB terms for acquisition of HBOS Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:18:47 GMT Manatee dies before reaching rehab site - Boston Globe
Boston Globe - By Emily Canal After a 27-hour trip to Florida, Dennis the manatee, rescued from the frigid waters of Cape Cod, died in Orlando yesterday as SeaWorld employees carted the mammal to a rehabilitation center. Video: Rescued Manatee Dies After Mass. Rescue Manatee rescued off Cape Cod dies en route to Florida Sea World Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:21:21 GMT 1.5 million G1 Android phones pre-ordered - TG Daily
TG Daily - By Wolfgang Gruener Chicago (IL) - T-Mobileās upcoming G1 may not be the best-looking iPhone rival, it may not have the most complete feature set and T-Mobile may have undersold the device at the recent launch event. Get ready for next-gen mobile HTC G1 Android Phone Racks up 1.5 Million Pre-orders Publ.Date : Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:21:21 GMT Display RSS Feeds on Your Website |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Lisa was born into a loving Christian family and went... Read More We have all experienced the blowing winds of disappointment, despair... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 28,... Read More Your own level of frequency raises or lowers the overall... Read More God has created human beings to live successfully. He has... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 13,... Read More The grey sky of morning contained an ominous quality. The... Read More It's all in the mind- your mind.It's not brought about... Read More As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More Let us renew our hope in humanity. It's so easy... Read More (excerpted from the New Jim Rohn Weekend Event DVD/CD series)Is... Read More We are not born with courage, but neither are we... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 8,... Read More I have an unexpected relationship problem. It's hard to believe... Read More "It's better to give than to receive." You've probably heard... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 21,... Read More Life is about constant, predictable patterns of change. For the... Read More Albert Einstein is quoted as having said, "the world is... Read More I call myself semi-retired. I work at a job that... Read More The women at the cross. Have you ever thought about... Read More There are reasons we cross paths with those that we... Read More Both failure and success are good... if you know what... Read More About fifteen years ago I was rummaging through some old... Read More All you want is a little more.More money, more love,... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 22,... Read More
Adsense
websites
Lisas Christmas
Personal Philosophy is Like The Set of The Sail
On Stand-by
Save the Planet with Your Joy!
Number that Decides Your Success
Secrets Exposed
From the Hint of a Rainbow to...
Tranquility
Charge Your Imagination (3)
Hope in Humanity
One of Life“s Great Lessons ? Learn to be Thankful for What You Already Have
Facing the Enemies Within
Repeat Offender
The Karate Kid
Its Better to Give than to Receive
Full Disclosure
The Seasons of Life, Part 1 of 5
Take Action and Make a Better World
Giving Importance
The Women At The Cross (Reflections On The Death And Resurrection Of Jesus)
Being Relatable in Todays World as a Christian
Learn From Failure and Confirm with Success
Reach Your Dreams
Are You Tired of Being Stuck?
Justice Delayed
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Transform Old Grumpy
This is a true story. A woman had Snow White... Read More
A Faux Pas Is A Mistake In A Tuxedo
Everyone who is anybody has a hobby or at least... Read More
Make A Difference - Just Go Make A Difference!
Three Words That Can Help Us Live Exceptional LivesCertain words... Read More
The Meaning of Life
Life ?.. Indeed is full of learning's, experiences, facts and... Read More
Change
Those of you, who can fathom yourselves welcoming and enjoying... Read More
The Beauty of Life
"An unexamined life is not worth living."-- SocratesI have just... Read More
Why Integrity!
There is much said in the word "integrity"! According to... Read More
When Was the Last Time?
When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?When... Read More
Get On with Your LIfe
You've lost your job, that's all you know, and you... Read More
Surefire Ways to Develop a Thankful Attitude
Spend some time thinking about how good you have it.... Read More
Dont Die With Your Dreams Still Inside You
I write and talk a lot about dreams. Primarily because... Read More
Pattern of Ripples
The Emmaus Journal Pattern of RipplesPicture within your mind an... Read More
The Bouncer (Turning Defeat into Victory)
I'm a pretty competitive guy, though I try to keep... Read More
How To Turn Your Life Around FAST!
There is nothing more important than feeling good.Come again? Didn't... Read More
Resistance to Change
All of us are resistant to change, whether it's in... Read More
Play a BIGGER role in life!
Did you ever think that you are not playing the... Read More
Spiritual Bread Making
All the ingredients to make 12 loaves of bread already... Read More
Order and Law
When disorder comes into our lives, we obviously aren't paying... Read More
A Life Touched
Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 17,... Read More
Big O
Growing up, I remember my Dad had some really good... Read More
The Most Powerful Question Ever Asked?
What if every experience in your life is sent to... Read More
The Most Important Investment You Can Make For Your Old Age - And No, Its Not Money!
When I was twenty-two, I was befriended by a woman... Read More
A Journey of a Thousand Miles
There is a Chinese proverb that says, "A journey of... Read More
A Prison Cell?
Do you have a goal? A focus in life? Have... Read More
Faux Feelings
Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 10,... Read More
Inspirational |