The life you live is predominantly based on the decisions you make. Yes, life throws curveballs sometimes that demand you to make choices you wish you didn’t have to face. Yet, every battle can serve as a lesson, rather than a mistake. It isn’t possible to control all aspects of your life, but it is necessary to find the freedom that comes with being in charge of yourself.

Many choices we make in life are based on our opinion of our own worth. Often, we have two choices — to accept the conditions that exist — or to accept the responsibility to change matters we don’t favor.

Our choices in life, many times, speak loudly as to who we truly are versus what we are capable of doing. A person who lives with integrity is one who chooses to wait for the best in life. People who live by high standards do not settle for less than what they know they deserve in life. They speak honestly and respect hearing the truth from others. They follow guidelines that represent dignity and demonstrate harmony regarding their personal values. These people live by their own values — not by what others speak or believe.

When making decisions, think about what you truly want. Refrain from simply choosing the easy path. Attempt to explore various choices, so you do not limit yourself only to what seems possible or reasonable. Some decisions can be based on a command — one that can only be made by you. Yet, some can serve as delegated decisions, which can be made by anyone. Avoided decisions are critical in the respect that the outcome could actually prove to be so severe that a person simply stalls in making  a particular decision as a means to buy time to shirk the consequences of a wrong choice.  

Whether facing the decision to buy a new car, sell a home, find a new pet or seek a new relationship, it is always wise to think rationally and intuitively.

Keep in mind that choices should be made by those who will be mostly affected by the decision. Some choices can be as simple as when to study for a test, or what to eat for supper. Regardless of the type, various choices affect people differently. Some people are very decisive while others are not.

Simply being indecisive is a form of decision-making. Flora Whittemore once said, “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.