Making Loving Choices

Every moment whether we are aware of it or not, we are making choices. We choose to act out of love or react with some destructive emotion.

We choose how we interact with others. No one else makes that choice for us. Let's consider the common statement, He or she makes me angry! If that were true, I would be giving away my power. I would be allowing someone else to rule my emotions. But that statement is not true. I can decide how to perceive the other person's actions, and I can choose to ignore or act on them.

For example, if a co-worker or family member speaks in a tone that sounds harsh, I can choose to interpret their tone of voice as rude and take it personally, thinking they are angry with me. I would be allowing my own feelings to be hurt and perhaps reply in a defensive manner. This could possibly fuel a fiery situation. On the other hand, I could think about the stress they might be feeling and have compassion for them. I can reply in a loving manner with a question, "Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?" I would be choosing to act out of love. It is my choice.

When we begin to take responsibility for our choices, rather than blaming others for our reactions, we'll begin to see peace and love reign in our homes, at work, and ultimately in the world.