Choice and Transformation

”Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”. ― Charles R. Swindoll. Let that statement sink in for a moment. That is powerful! That means that in every situation we have a choice. That means I have the opportunity to choose transformation or to take a different stance. That also means I have the choice not to control my reaction.

To be honest I struggle in this area. Although, less as I embrace the opportunities to transform in my life, but there are many areas that I still resist. I find that when I do not embrace transformation it adversely affects my life and those that I am closest to. I find myself having less patience with my children, my wife, my friends and my coworkers.

When I am willing to look deep enough and long enough; I find myself harboring bitterness toward the person or event that “happened” to me. This is where the choice comes in. I notice that when I choose to let the event control me (my view of myself, situation or beliefs) then I remain enslaved to that event. But when I work to reframe my thinking about the event and own what part I played in it; I am set free from it. I am then able to see the situation for what it is.

I have noticed that by holding on to these events without changing my view of them; steals what I want most in my life: joy and peace. Some wise person once said that “comparison is the stealer of joy”. I would contend “resisting transformation” also steals and is a great thief.

So, how do you transform through the events life throws at you? Look at how the situation makes you feel. Why do you feel that way? Look for the positive in every situation; it may be hard at first with great loss, but in time it is there. What can you learn from the event? Lastly, own what your part in it is. If you had no part of the event you are dealing with such as a disease, learn to embrace it and learn from it. I know that this is not easy stuff; but the work is worth it! I promise.