I DO IT BECAUSE I WANT TO…

In the midst of a challenging moment with my 7-year-old son, I said, “You do it just to aggravate me.” And his candid response was, “No, I don’t. I do it ‘cause I want to.”

Rule Number 3 of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements is, “Never Make Assumptions.” I break this rule – without fail – all the time. It’s one of the hardest rules for me to follow. I automatically distrust, and more often than not, wonder about another’s “ulterior motive.” As an author and educator (and anti-bullying advocate), it became clear to me that my mission had to include reminding you that allowing adversities to get the best of you eventually becomes your choice. You constantly live with your guard up, your eyes wide open, and think twice before ever pouring your heart out. Then it gets better with time – and eventually, you let go and spill a little – without an assumption. And you realize, good people- big and small – are counting on you to be a positive influence, a role model of strength, perseverance, and justice. And suddenly, Rule Number 4 kicks in and you, “Do Your Best.”

Think about it. Why do we say and do the things we do? The answer is quite simple. We do what we do because we want to. My son is right (just like his mother).  Good, bad, or indifferent, we make a choice every second of every day. Should I eat that granola bar or that piece of chocolate cake? Should I say how I really feel risking my pride or should I keep it inside until it’s too late? Should I marry him or not? (That was a joke 🙂 )

Seriously, our actions and reactions are the results of the choices we make.  We answer to no one but ourselves. We rest our sleepless heads on pillows at night wondering if we did the right thing, said the right thing. Why? Because we want to.  And then there are some who never think twice. Never care or worry enough to assume the worst, and enjoy every moment because they liberate themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. Why? Because they want to. And they are truly happy. Why? Because they want to be. It’s a choice for all of us – a golden opportunity with each new dawn.

Why do I worry about everyone and everything? Because I want to. Why do I love you? Because I want to. Why do I hold onto the past even though I know I shouldn’t? Because it makes me who I am. Wrong! Today makes me who I am. I hold onto the past because I want to. You let it go because I tell you to…why? Because I know what’s best for you. And I know what’s best for me. Helping others makes me happy.

So, learn from me. Don’t look at life from a cynic’s point of view. Embrace every moment. Pull out the good in every bad – even in those you meet – and see the glass half full. There is no room for emptiness. I have learned that I can change who I am if I want to. And you can, too. Another choice. So, do the right thing. Say the right thing. Rest easy. Why?  Because you can. Just  ”believe in the possible…” believe in YOU. Be True to Yourself and Be Happy. And I will be happy being ME…Why? Because I want to…