Everything a Choice

For a few years now, I've been reading (or more often listening to) personal
development/self improvement material -- books, books on CD, etc... Something I heard the other day kind of resonated with me. It wasn't something new... almost all of the books, etc... include the concept in one form or another. Basically, it is that we are all responsible for our own lives. That is not just to say that we must take care of ourselves, but also that everything we have, whatever situations we are in, where ever we are in life, is the result of the decisions we've made. Looking at that from the other side, everything we do -- and the consequences that result -- represents some choice that we've made. So (the theory goes) if we want better things in life, we need to make better decisions. In a way, it makes perfect sense. Of course, it is easier said than done. We may not be able to control everything that happens to us (unless you buy into some of the more new age-y stuff), but we can control how we react to it. And to an extent, we can control how we feel. They say (and apparently there is ample research to support this) that if you smile and "act happy", you will begin to feel happier. Of course, it also helps to make choices that will make you happy. And being aware and accepting this idea should help too. On one hand it may be a little scary since most excuses go out the window. On the other hand, that means no one else is in control of your life. Quick example... I haven't been too busy to blog (or otherwise prevented from it). I chose to do other things instead. I didn't choose to make the time earlier. I probably should have... but that doesn't mean I won't do the same thing another time.