Quite often life throws an obstacle onto the path we’re on and causes us to rethink our decisions and question our choices. Not being sure of where we’re going is a recipe for confusion, and every disappointment leads to more uncertainty. Taking time to reflect on our day and mark our progress is one way to reassure ourselves about the choices we have made, regardless of anything others do or say. When we are certain of the path we are on, no-one can burst our bubble unless we let them. Yet, when uncertainty catches up with us all the common sense in the world just seems to fade away.

Starting over is usually one of those times of uncertainty and for those who have the added responsibility of children in the mix, that stress is compounded. Often this leaves little or no time to review the course we’re on and sooner or later the constant stress of being the protector and provider is bound to catch up with us. We all need to take some time to reflect, every day. But what are we reflecting on? I think many of us use that time to beat ourselves up mentally for our seeming lack of control over our circumstances. How productive is that?

There are always two things that I ask myself after each experience:
1) What did I do right?
2) What could I have done better?

Notice how they both promote positive answers and lead you toward solutions. Having discovered my purpose in life has removed the question of “Am I even on the right path?” Now it’s more like “Wow, what’s the universe got in store next?”

Life is truly what we make of it and I don’t mean learning to adjust to an uncomfortable situation. It is rather an inner knowing that this is what is and that is my desire and (this) is what I can do right now to help ensure it happens. We measure our success by the distance we are from where we would like to be and when we’re not very close to where we would like to be, all too often we lose sight of the path to get there. We got to where we are in life one decision at a time and the only way to get to where we would like to be is the same way. However, sometimes things have to be at their worst before we are ready to accept a new way of thinking. This need not be the case! The old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” does not apply to personal growth. Being open to a new concept or idea doesn’t mean you have to change who you are and become something else, it’s more like allowing yourself to gather further information so you have more to base your decisions on.

According to “The Formula” for effective decision making, there are 8 parts to a decision. Each part has at least 6 influences, making a minimum of 56 aspects at play for every decision made. At an average rate of 300 decisions each hour, imagine how quickly your circumstances could change with the 4,800 decisions you make daily!

I welcome your comments and feedback.