Life has a way of throwing us curve balls, sometimes when we are standing ready to strike back and sometimes when we least expect it. Either way we cannot control whether or not the curve ball comes our way. No matter how hard we try the unexpected will always happen. I enjoyed reading this quote from Maya Angelou which reminds us that we cannot control events; however, we can control our choice to not be reduced by them. OOOO! That can be a tough one to remember.
I spoke to a woman today who’s ex-husband was in jail. She did not share the details, “But he hurt our son, which is why he is in jail.” My heart sank. I never expected that to be the reason she was divorced. The amazing thing is that she is joyous, healthy, her son is healthy and the family has chosen to thrive. She has taught her children to not let circumstances beyond their control determine how they are going to be as people. Oh there has been counseling, family therapy, lots of prayer and lots of tears…they have still chosen to thrive. I was struck by her resolve to not let a terrible thing darken her children’s lives forever.
The choice is our each and everyday. We can let what happens to us define our future self, or we can choose to not let it reduce us. Terrible things happen everyday to people all around us. Something tragic may happen to you or me today. As Maya reminds us, we do have a choice in how we respond…we can decide to triumph even in the darkest of storms.
So today, let me (and Maya’s words) remind you to choose wisely. Decide who you want to be, who you want to become and let those terrible circumstances help mold you into a better version of yourself. Choose not to be a victim of the actions of others. Easier said than done in some cases…so choose wisely.
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