Things You Can Control
In general, throughout life, you are in the driver’s seat of things you can control, even when it seems you are not. That depends on how you fully control those things in your life that are entirely your choices. [Please pause at the end for the “action step” to this post.] This article touches on many areas where you can exercise full control… a gentle reminder. Although somehow deep inside we already know these things, it helps to think about how we can live the best life moving forward in faith and gratitude knowing that we have free will and the right to use it. So “choose wisely” as they say.
LIFE’S VALUES
Your life’s values are formed early in life from your family and others inside your limited close circle. In becoming an adult people tend to re-evaluate if they agree with these values and this is a good thing, to can accept or reject, claim or revise to really own those values. Values and beliefs determine most of the choices you make that define you. These include:
- Your beliefs
- Your attitude
- Your thoughts
- Your perspective
- How you interpret situations
- How often you practice gratitude
- How often you think about the past
- How often you think about the future
- How much time you spend worrying
- Whether or not you try again after the setback
- How much you appreciate the things you have
SOCIAL VALUES
Your social values follow next in the way you live day-to-day interacting with others around you at home, at work, and in other places in your society. As stated above, your values influence how you interact with society, and the kind of person you are and/or want to be. You may not think you choose to live this way, but deep inside your choices reflect your beliefs and values, translated into action in society. Remember, you get to choose these behaviors:
- How honest you are
- How many risks you take
- How you express your feelings
- How often you say “I love you”
- How often you say “Thank you”
- Whether or not you ask for help
- Whether or not you go to church
- How often you practice gratitude
- How many times you smile today
- Whether or not you judge people
- The amount of effort you put forth
- How kind you are to others and yourself
- How you take responsibility versus blaming others
PERSONAL LIVING
In the privacy of your home, your personal domain, your kingdom if you like, this is where you shine with your personal living choices. Are you a good custodian of the body (temple) God gave you to make your way through this life? Are you truly living up to your own expectations in this area? Living a long and healthy life is entirely up to you (in-born exceptions and accidents noted). You see, everyone develops a personal philosophy of health that directs these many behaviors.
- The foods you eat
- The books you read
- Who your friends are
- How often you exercise
- What risky habits you do
- How much sleep you get regularly
- How you spend and invest your money
ACTION STEP: You may wish to print out this page and then check each item that you can claim. Better yet, rate each item (1-5) and see which area you wish to improve upon. Then after six months pull out the sheet and re-rate yourself for signs of accomplishments. Then reward yourself!
At the end of this self-assessment, you are just now revisiting what we call your “personal philosophy of life” that self-rules your mental, physical, social, and spiritual being. This is a constant work in progress being refined even into your senior years. So, if in your mind you feel you are falling short of living the life you aspire to live, you always have the option, in fact, you have the right to redefine yourself beginning right now by making the best choices that align with your maturing self-image. Now you can seek and claim your life’s purpose, for a life without purpose has no meaning. If you read all the way down to here, it is obvious you are interested in claiming your purpose. God Bless you.
Yours in Real Life,
docMIKE
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