Comments on: Choice

By: Sources of Insight is One Year Old - Sources of Insight

Sources of Insight is One Year Old - Sources of Insight — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:28:28 +0000

[...] Michael Michalko, author of THINKERTOYS, on Choice. [...]

By: Jeremy Bostron

Jeremy Bostron — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:37:28 +0000

Thanks for your comments Michael as this is a good read. As you go through life I always struggle when I see someone that is not pushing forward. At the same time realizing that all of us are at different points in our life and we might just not realize that we are not pushing forward. However, there are some examples where people just dont clearly move forward and they have some much to look forward to. I found myself in a similar situation years ago where I had gained a lot of weight and was not doing anything about it except adding to it. When it finally was a big enough problem I change my physical life and lost all the weight and was in better shape at 34 then when I was 18. On the other hand we may struggle spirtually or mentally. In any case we can always move forward and it is stories like we read in this guest post that encourage us all to move forward.

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:46:29 +0000

Great Article! Thanks!
When health changes all things become more clear.
They have to and that which you must do happens.
Thanks for the inspiration! I too love the part on
it makes you want to do more with the life you have.

By: Eduardo Jezierski

Eduardo Jezierski — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:46:37 +0000

Michael and JD, thanks for sharing this. In a strange way, it made me appreciate all the little great choices others around us make, and what is our responsibility in being compassionate supporters of making those possible.

We all make our own choices, yet we are in a collective system and by small nudges we can open up the degrees of freedom that many don’t have and others won’t see. We are all students and teachers, on an equal level.

This year I have spent a lot of time seeing up close the power of small choices and their rippling effect to global proportions. And the process of evolving our own path starts by reminding ourselves that yes, there is a choice most of the time. I like little exercises – for example, try saying ‘I choose to’ instead of ‘I have to’. And take a little perspective if you can. Wishing you all a 2009 full of what you choose to make of it!

By: PaD

PaD — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:22:16 +0000

JD, thanks for bringing Michael’s eloquence to light.

I have been reflecting on the metaphor of life as sailing (seems like I have been jibing a lot more than tacking), so Cohen’s words hit home. Although I, too, have a chronic medical condition (mine hit at 33), it doesn’t limit me as much as my mental attitude does!

This entry makes me consider the impact of the words I choose to use to express my resolve. If I say “I refuse to be a victim”, I now think that I am using a negative framing. If I simply change that to “I choose the role I play” I can move to a more positive framing.
It was the language Michael used that has prompted this reflection …

Much to consider!

Thanks again ….

By: J.D. Meier's Blog : Michael Michalko on Sources of Insight

J.D. Meier's Blog : Michael Michalko on Sources of Insight — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:54:40 +0000

[...] honored to have a guest post from author Michael Michalko on Sources of Insight. The theme behind Source of Insight is "stand on the [...]

By: Molly

Molly — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:17:34 +0000

Wow, this post was so timely and very inspirational. As I look into the new year, I think about the changes I want to make without making a new year’s resolution.

We do have a choice in our perception of our world.

I loved the statement, “He cultivated a positive attitude toward life by interpreting all of his experiences in a positive way.”

I have forwarded this link to many of my friends. It’s a great reminder that no matter what our current health and position in life, we do have a choice to make the most of this moment.

May you make the most of the 525,600 minutes of your 2009 and even brighten the lives of those around you.

By: Rob Boucher

Rob Boucher — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:42:14 +0000

Living with my mate who has kidney disease and is on dialysis for the past 4 years, I can attest first hand to the value of framing physical discomfort in this manner. I can see how her attitude towards the disease and how she deals with it has made all the difference in her survival and continual improvement and healing. As her attitude has gotten better, the disease and life are easier to deal with. When she’s in dispair about it, the pain is magnified.

I’ve had my own experience in the past with anxiety attacks and how the mind and attitude can create physical aliments so I can certainly see how the two are connected.

The Buddists say “resistance causes pain”. If our ship is going to roll and that’s the nature of our life, we do much better to live with that reality and make the best of it. It doesn’t mean we don’t try to change our circumstances if we desire. It’s just that we accept them as they are right now and work with them, noting how certain thoughts and framing make us feel.

I’ve become a better man because of having to deal with my mates kidney disease and I’m far happier with her than any woman I’ve been with previously.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:37:40 +0000

Plus, make those choices now – not tomorrow. Tomorrow you’ll look back on the choices you failed to make and wish that you had made them.

By: Talhah Mir

Talhah Mir — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:55:46 +0000

Very inspirational… great post!