The Choice is Clear

"We have to believe in freewill. We've got no choice.” ~Nobel prize winner, Isaac Bashevis Singer

I decided to start today's blog out with this funny quote.

It was my free choice to make, and I'm sticking to it! ;)

Freewill means “based on our own accord,” and accord means “to be in harmony; agreement.” (Webster’s)

Thus, having freewill is having harmony with our Self and feeling good about our choices and our decisions. And though we don’t always get what we want, we do always get a choice in our reaction.

In other words, even when there are obstacles, we’re able to decide mentally, physically, spiritually &/or intellectually what we’ll choose as our very next move.

My friend, Joanne, and I had a conversation that was centered around freewill just this past Thursday.

We had agreed to meet in downtown Spokane which is where Joanne lives and where I had been for a keynote speech that I had delivered at the historical and beautiful Davenport Hotel.

Since we were both getting off work around the same time, we agreed to meet for happy hour at the downtown mall.

The last time we spoke, Joanne’s inner-voice had been persistently reminding her that she needs to quit her nursing job and pursue her dream of being a photographer, so I was very anxious to learn of her decision.

“Well?” I prompted, “What’s going on with your job situation?”

“I told the hospital they may want to start looking for my replacement,” Joanne beamed.

“Congratulations!” I cheered.

She began to smile and then impatiently sighed, “Thanks. I’m happy with my choice, but ever since I’ve given notice, obstacle after obstacle has begun to appear.”

I lovingly grinned, as I fully related.

“My brother,” she explained, “who is also my roommate, just had emergency surgery and now needs homecare assistance, so I’m now a nurse by day and a nurse by night. So, other than ordering new camera equipment last week, there’s been no more room for photography in my life.”

“Isn’t it something how we’re tested by the Universe to see if we’re going to lose our focus?” I empathized.

“Yes, and I know I’m going to get where I want to be,” Joanne said, “but it’s taking longer than I thought.”

We chatted about this for awhile.

Joanne knows that true commitment means never looking back.

Whenever our minds get set on a new direction, our freewill changes, so it’s extremely likely that there will be obstacles involved.

It’s like pulling up an anchor and seeing all of the remnants still attached...

We’ll get muck and seaweed and many other crazy entanglements way before we can ever set sail. -- This is why so many people stay right where they are. They’d rather feel helpless than deal with the obstacles.

I reminded Joanne of this as it was time to part ways.

“Just keep your eye on your goal no matter how turned around you might get.”

“Will do,” she said with conviction.

Two days later, I found myself questioning the reason why remnants remain.

It was during daily meditation, and my Higher Power answered me by pointing my eyes to a pile of dried up pine needles that had fallen beneath the trees.

Should the trees focus on their shedding or on their growth?

"On their growth," I mentally replied.

Is shedding part of growth?

"Yes."

This is your answer.

Another lesson learned!

Just as trees cast off their needles in order to grow, change for the better requires persistence and patience during times of separation.

We can either put all of our attention on the loss or keep some of our focus for the gain.

Freewill is harmony, so do what you please. :)

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