We always have a choice…

Last updated on November 23, 2014

I tried to be a good girl, but there it was the whisper inside me, telling me “come on, why not nobody will know”. I listened and needless to say it never worked, I was always in trouble when I was a child.

I was often angry at the voice “I will never listen to you again” and then one day I realized it was not always mischievous, it guided me as well “go help this kid” or “turn around, don’t get involved” are commands I heard and I listened.

So, I had an inner dialogue going on all my life, it was always there, it never stopped.

When I got older I realized the power of the voices. It often determined the behavior that defines who I am. It’s as easy to affirm my self-worth with positive messages and yet, I still could fall so easily into negative patterns of thoughts.

As with so many aspects of my life, I become proficient when I regularly practice. The regular, preferably daily use of positive affirmations can make such a profound contribution to my well-being and willingness to grow and learn, it can change the course of my life. All I have to do is develop the discipline to make these positive messages habitual. In so doing, I bring my vision of myself in line with the picture I have of myself.

I used my inner dialogue when I gave up smoking. I dictated the way I felt about it. Either I feel sorry for myself for giving up something, or I feel joy about gaining something. My call, my decision and my choice!

There is the voice whispering “go smoke one, it won’t be a big deal” and there is another voice a little bit louder “you don’t smoke anymore”.

This is my real inner beauty…I dictate who I want to be! My inner dialogue is my guide, because now with age I learned that I am in control!

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

 As for me, I am not feeding the addiction! I am an ex-smoker and I am happy!