The power of choice can influence positive outlook

February 1, 2008

Is that new piece of exercise equipment you bought beginning to gather dust?

Have the promises of a new you in the New Year fallen by the wayside? Do those dreams of hitting the ideal weight seem impossible? I want to encourage you to change your thoughts and help you better understand the gift of choice.

I have found there often will be situations and circumstances that can lead us into a negative downward spiral. We easily become stressed, worried, depressed and angry. You know that these emotions will do you no good. Maybe you're thinking to yourself, "I'll never lose that weight, I failed again." Or maybe you're facing a tough financial situation. It could be that you're afraid of losing a job or worse. Even in these times, the power of choice can be felt.

The other day I asked someone how he was doing, and his response was, "OK, I guess, I have no choice."

I paused for a moment and considered, "Actually, that's exactly what you do have: choice."

No matter what situation you might be facing, you must choose to believe in a brighter day and bigger future. Notice that most of the time when you're thinking defeating thoughts, your chin will be down and your eyes are gazing anywhere but up. Stop, pick your chin up, take a deep breath and proclaim your faith. Trust in who you are and what you can become. Success does revolve around our choices.

One of the quickest ways to know where you're heading in life is to examine the people with whom you choose to surround yourself.  If you have a group of friends who are riddled with negative habits, bad choices and bad outcomes, what do you think is going to happen in your own life?  Of course, we should all lend a helping hand to those who are struggling, but if you find yourself pulling with both hands, you just might be getting ready to fall right into negative behaviors and thoughts. Make a choice to get yourself into positive situations with positive people.

Amazingly, the gift of choice allows us to change at any time. You can go home today and get back on that treadmill. You can call an old friend whom you know will be a positive influence.  My favorite choice is that you can change your mental approach toward life. Lift up your chin and look toward a higher place. The struggles of today don't have to last forever, and you do have the choice to make them change.

Troy Fontana is the owner of Fontana Fitness in Sparks. He can be reached at 331-6918 or Getfit@fontanafitness.com