Choosing

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We are all responsible for our own happiness.

Not to say that life isn’t going to throw us some catastrophic curve balls, or major disappointments, or unjust circumstances. These letdowns are inevitable, and if you haven’t been hit yet, then you will be someday. Pain and discouragement are a part of life, and there is no way to evade or avoid or ignore them.

I look at my life, and there are a lot of things that I would like to change. A lot. I could list them, but it wouldn’t change the fact that they are.

But we always have a choice – a choice of how to respond to what life offers.

So I choose fortitude. I choose hope. I choose courage. I choose gratitude. I choose contentment. And yes, today, in the face of the tedious monotone of a desk job that I am over-qualified for, of the nebulous unknown of my future, of a limited bank account, of the temptation of discouragement and forsaking, of my many inner-demons and growing edges and ugly ducklings that have never blossomed into beautiful swans, I choose happiness.

Because if I don’t, then who is going to do it for me?

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6 Comments

  1. Deborah Barnett on September 24, 2008 at 10:00 AM

    now that’s courage and discernment. ;o)

    I adore you.

  2. Anonymous on September 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM

    If only it was EASY to do what you just spoke so eloquently. I’m with Debbie – adoration coming from the heartland!
    mom

  3. Emily on September 24, 2008 at 10:24 AM

    Oh Annie! It fortifies my soul to read your words. I have come to the same conclusion as of late.

    I hope you hear my sincere applause in your decision to choose happiness.

  4. candace on September 24, 2008 at 1:05 PM

    oh god, amen. we HAVE to do this.

  5. Tad on September 24, 2008 at 2:57 PM

    You’ve found a way to sum it all up. These choices are the seeds from which God brings joy.
    Here’s where a hug would be in order if you were in Seattle.

    Remember, you are not alone. Were’re all walking with you.

  6. Alissa on September 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM

    I LOVE this post. It came at the perfect moment in my life today, when I needed this perspective the most, and I’m going to write your words down to keep for future reference. Thank you for your beautiful insight :)

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