Choose Wisely

Perhaps all battles truly take place internally. For surely, that is where everything is determined. Now, I'm certainly not saying that our actions have little importance. To the contrary--they play a very important role. Our external encounters reveal the outcomes of our inner conquests or coups, and often bring new conflicts from which our struggles derive. Still, all actions are intrinsic, stemming from a private decision or code (which itself arises from previous resolutions). Therefore, what we internalize, take in, and focus on truly does matter. Our thoughts matter. All of our largest (or smallest) and most important battles are with ourselves. We really are our worst enemy or greatest ally. The whole of who we are and how we live filters down to one thing: choices. Ours. So don't make excuses. Don't blame your attitude, actions, or animalistic nature on anything so abstract as this world or as concrete as another person. You decide who you are. Even in passing fault, you're still responsible for making that choice. And what a small horrid unhappy life you must live, letting others control you in such a way. Relinquishing so much power over to another human being. Allowing yourself to simply react instead of respond. What a lazy selfish way to live. You know the damage you create in the wake of your wrath or indifference, and yet you choose. Yes, you choose to live in such a manner. You have given up the internal debate and handed yourself over to an indulgent life. We can all see the private determinations of your heart through your ever-increasing reckless dealings. Yet the choice is yours to make. Choose wisely.