Understanding Your Choices

Life is filled with choices, and only you can decide if you want to be a victim, a tyrant, or something else entirely. Our upbringing provides various pathways, sometimes limiting us to just one. However, it's your choices that shape your adult life. While it may feel like deviating from the norm could lead to losing love and support from close ones, is that truly a bad outcome?

The reality is that people often take advantage of your desire to please them, even if unintentionally. Consider whether your actions are genuinely for your benefit or for others. If you’re doing things for someone else, do you find fulfillment in that? If the answer is yes, that’s great, but if not, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Many of us carry childhood wounds where we felt unloved or wronged. Acknowledging these feelings is crucial. Working through your emotions with a therapist is commendable, and I’m proud of anyone who is taking that step! But the question remains: what comes next?

You cannot alter your past; it’s already been written. Rather than seeking revenge on those who hurt you before, focus on loving yourself in the present. Embrace the person you are today and treat yourself with kindness. When you start to recognize the goodness around you, life can become much more vibrant than the dull routine you might be stuck in.

Fear of losing what you’ve built over the years is common; however, it’s important to avoid rash decisions. Living life like a "hamster on a wheel" is counterproductive. Shift your perspective and ask yourself:

• Who am I?
• What do I truly want?
• How can I make that happen?

Chapter 1: Taking Small Steps Towards Change

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on making small, achievable changes. Whether it's enrolling in a class you’ve been postponing or having an honest discussion with a loved one, take that first step today. Update your resume for a job you’ve been eyeing or approach someone you’ve been interested in. Incremental progress leads to significant transformation.

Your life is ultimately in your hands. If you don't make choices for yourself, others will make them for you. They will submit applications for jobs on your behalf, engage in deep conversations with your partner, or pursue relationships you might have wanted.

When the world seems bleak, it’s easy to fall into a mindset where you blame others for your circumstances, feel guilty about your failures, or live in fear.

By making decisions—regardless of the outcome—you are taking action. Even if things don't go as planned, you gain valuable experience and insight that prepares you for future endeavors. It’s always better to attempt something than to remain stagnant.

Chapter 2: Embracing Self-Love and Growth

The first video, "Are You Offended At God? - Lori Wilke," explores the concept of offense and how it affects our relationship with ourselves and others. It encourages viewers to reflect on their emotional responses and to consider the implications of their feelings.

The second video, "Does This Offend You? | Man on the Street," delves into public perceptions of offense and challenges viewers to think critically about societal norms and their own beliefs.

In conclusion, prioritize self-love, cherish what you already possess, and strive towards becoming a better version of yourself!