I'M MY CHOICE

Life is made up of countless decisions. Each and every day, we are bombarded with all kinds of offers through mail, television, telephone solicitations, newspapers, e-mail, and in various places - on the streets, in the mall, on our beaches, etc. We are constantly receiving offers and enticing specials to purchase food, clothing, new cars, travel, new homes, education and many, many other things. Everywhere there is someone who wants to sell something to you. It's no wonder we become more and more indecisive in what is important and what is a priority in our lives.

While returning home from shopping or even after on-line shopping, I often regret some of my own choices in my purchases. Sometimes, after taking only a few steps, I will often find something better, more beautiful or at a more reasonable price and regret my previous purchase. Fortunately, in America, we are able to return or exchange our purchases, however, in my native Serbia, we could never return or exchange our purchases.

Just think about how many brands of water there are in our supermarkets. Which one to choose? The one with more calcium or magnesium, with selenium, vitamin water, natural, filtered, plastic or glass bottles, domestic or foreign brands, Smart, Fiji, Evian…and the list goes on. Using water is just one example, but this is also true for so many other products, especially, for me personally, clothing. For example, how much time do we waste deciding what we should wear?

The same thing happens when it comes to important life decisions. Many things are changing in my life…life is no longer a matter of simple choices, for example, a new job or a relocation to another part of the country. Presently, my daughters are researching which colleges they would like to attend, which takes so much energy, time, research and decision-making. It seems to be difficult and more complicated for me in making final decisions. In today’s modern world, it is even more difficult than ever. Having a choice is a privilege, but having too many choices can make life more complicated.

Sometimes, our decisions may not be the best or right choices. This does not mean that one should be hesitant in making their decisions. On the contrary, determination is a trait that stands out as an important characteristic of successful people. Personality Characteristics and Management in Education was my doctoral thesis, and look at me…at times it seems that I do not know how to make decisions effectively. When we were children, our parents, teachers, coaches and other adults in our lives were making decisions for us. Now that we are grown, we make decisions not only for ourselves, but for others, as well. I have two teenage daughters, and I am always making decisions with and for them. I have to admit, I often doubt the decisions I am making, but here are some "rules" that help me and, perhaps, can help you decide more effectively.

1. FOR AND AGAINST. Almost every choice has both for and against arguments which should be considered.

2. TRUST YOUR INTUITION. Intuition is a part of internalized external experiences and you should listen to your own intuition. Intuition has never let me down. This especially refers to situations when having two equally good choices. Your intuition should determine which choice you make. Flip a coin, and while it falls your inner voice will determine which choice!

3. YOUR DECISION IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL CHOICE. What's good for others may not always be good for us, and vice versa. Other people's opinions and choices should be considered, but decision-making is always a personal choice.

4. DON'T THINK TOO MUCH. One should not rush into things, but too much thinking leads to indecisiveness.

5. “PERFECTION” SHOULD NOT SPOIL A GOOD CHOICE. While making our decisions, we should try to answer the question: “What is good for us?” Not everything should be perfect.

6. BELIEVE IN YOUR DECISION. We can ponder any decision, however, that's not the point. Action follows the decision.

7. FEAR SHOULDN'T DECIDE. Most often, we decide to do or not to do certain things because of the fear of change. We shouldn't be afraid of change…change can be liberating. Although sometimes stressful, change is an inevitable part of our growth.

8. HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS ARE DECISIONS. Despite all the mistakes and ups and downs we experience daily in our lives, it is most important to choose happiness and success in accordance with your lifestyle. I'm my choice! I am who I choose to be!

Love, Zvezdana
P.S. No matter what, be happy, be successful, stay positive and keep smiling!!!!!