Our Choices
” It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” The Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowlings
“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices come from a deep sense of who you are.” Fred Rogers
Choices, choices, choices. We all face them each day, big and small.
I like these quotes. They provided me some insights into why some choices, I make I look back on, I feel good about and but other choices, not so much.
One of the great benefits of walking the Camino was the long portions of each day where you are alone with your thoughts. Lots of time to contemplate and think more deeply about things.
I remember pondering what my life might look like after Boeing. What would I do when when got back home and I began my life as a retired Boeing employee. I had time to really think about my choices. I had time to consider what I wanted to do next. What were my special gifts and talents and how could I align them to my beliefs and values? In being able to retire full time, I had been given the gift of time. What would I do with it?
When I returned home from the walk, I could not wait to get started with my life after Boeing. To begin making choices.
Looking back now over five year later, I see how I did make some good choices that were in alignment with my beliefs and values. I can see my choice to be active in hiking year round, has brought new friendships into my life that I now treasure. I love being in the forests and mountains with my friends who are also so in love with nature and all its beauty.
I love the choice that Terri and I made to be primary caregivers two days a week for our grandchildren who are now ages 3 and 5. This has brought us joy unending! This might have been my favorite choice of all as it has far exceeded any expectation I had for it.
It is good for us to reflect back on our choices. It is good for us to ponder our beliefs and values too. When we make choices that aligned with beliefs and values, I have found we live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Blessings and grace be with you,
John
Photograph of the Week
I am a lover of patterns in nature. I love capturing them and then exploring how they can be transformed and enhanced and brought out in fullness in the digital darkroom.
Photograph was from Glacier Bay NP of a seawater glacier. Patterns in glacier were so interesting and pleasing to eye.
weareallpilgrims 