In all things we have a choice. I remember that when I was young, my mother told me that I cannot always control what happens to me, but I can always control my response. This point of view helps shape my life (in some ways better than others). On the bright side, I have learned to roll with the punches more, to recognize where I can control and to let go of the things that I can’t change. On the other hand, I tend to give myself more grief for not expecting some unforeseen consequence of my actions and engage in negative self-talk when I didn’t think about something I did impacts someone else. But life’s a game of growth I suppose and I just have to keep working away at it.
I can’t force the government to stop spending outside of voting out my local representative and senator from office. Realistically in the Socialist State of California my vote essentially counts for nothing, but I still have the right to vote, and gosh darn it, I will express my opinion at the ballot box. I can’t convince many people that their team, or individuals or sections of their party aren’t acting for their benefit. I can’t stop the inflationary spiral that nobody seems to think will end, and will only get worse.
But I do have some control. I can change my behaviors, I can have conversations with others and try my best to find some common humanity so we can both have at least an honest conversation. I can recognize and focus my energy on those who wish to do the same. I can drop a conversation with insincere actors. And I can continue to improve myself.
I always have a choice.
A Place 4Politics 