There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.
– Elizabeth Gilbert
Image: “Choice” by Marco Musso via Flickr.
And that is the order in which it all happens, I feel, at least it is true for me. Some time in my 30s I became choosier about how I spent my time and with whom I spent it, and now I’m in the middle of working on the final two – choosing my words and tone and, the hardest one, choosing my thoughts.
Insightful comment, Cecilia. I often keep this catch phrase handy,”Do not believe all of your thoughts.” It is a struggle for me as well and as I venture into my forties, I am working on trying to choose my thoughts more wisely.
Well said!
Rudri,
I find this a really interesting quote. I’m not sure I completely agree with it because it sounds like what someone who is single without children can say. But when you are responsible for others on a permanent basis, it’s not all true. It’s more like something I might wish for on certain days, but not what the reality is. Am I the only person that reads Gilbert’s words this way?
I understand your point, Luanne. I do agree that choices are more vast when one does not have attachments. But after having children, there is greater gravity to the decisions we make. For me personally, there is a sense of liberation in both set of circumstances. Thanks for chiming in. You pushed me to reconsider the quote in another light.
I do love her a lot!
This speaks to me very much. Although like the above comment, I am a parent of young children. There are still many choices, though.
She is quite empowering in person, Tamara. If you ever have a chance to check her out in your city, please attend. You will not regret it.
Interesting quote and we’ll said but so many don’t have choices .
Yes, Ayala, This is an important point. Some people are limited by their choices given the circumstances and people in their lives.
yes!
Oh…I needed this today!