Saturday 20 November 2010

Making Up Our Own Minds

"Make up your mind" is a phrase that's rarely used without some undercurrent of frustration or impatience.

It is likely to be thrown at us when we can't seem to act decisively. Or when we can't choose instantly between competing possibilities. We might use it ourselves if we know what we want and someone else seems to be dithering.

It is a phrase that sends a strong message of criticism - as though instant decision-making were itself a virtue, regardless of the seriousness of the situation.

The chance to make up our own minds - and to know them - is one of the greatest gifts of human consciousness. In lives as privileged as most of ours are, "choice" has real meaning.

We can "make up our minds" about our most fundamental decisions - including our lifestyle, values, relationships, beliefs and goals.

We can't determine everything that happens to us, but we can decide what steps we will then take. We can think hard about our strengths and how we are using them. We can also take charge of what influences us......recognising this can be daunting. But I see it as liberating.

"Making up our own minds" means we are not letting circumstances, laziness or other people make up our minds or run our lives for us.

Self-responsibility triumphs here.

And it lets us set the compass for our future!

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."
~~ Ralph Emerson



My friend Dianne made up her mind that cancer was not going to sap the life out of her. She is fighting it and winning! Photo of Dianne in her art studio Feb 2007.

13 comments:

Christine said...

oh good for Diane! I can be quite indecisive at times, but the moment I decide what to finally do, everything then seems easy!

Mike Smith said...

My best wishes to Dianne - with the love of her friends she will win! By the way, the new photo on your blog Peggy - have you seen my latest rant?!!

Roban said...

This was a good post for me; I'm the world's worst "making up my mind" person. I think things through way too much. Sometimes, we just need to decide and then do it.

By the way, hooray for Dianne! She looks wonderful.

Silver said...

Deciding that everyday is a new day ...!

Hugs,
Silver

Christine said...

Peggy, sorry to hear you are closing your blog. I'll miss it.
Will you be keeping your email that you have listed in your profile? I'll save it just in case.

Anonymous said...

Decisions? No, I don't do those very well.....

miruspeg said...

Christine I will be keeping my email and will stay in touch.
Like I mentioned before I plan on travelling to Canada in 2012 and will be knocking on your door!

Thanks Mike, Roban, Fel and Stoneweaver for your friendship and love. My blog will be closed but I will still be visiting everyone regularly.....you can't get rid of me that easily!

Namaste
Peggy xxxxxx

Marja said...

Your friend looks fabulous. Amazing what miracles can happen when we make a decision. From your visit I understand that you made up your mind too and go on a new adventure.
Your wisdom and inspiration will be missed but I am sure you will pour it all in your new project and you will make it happen. I wish you a great journey and I am happy I got to know you and hope that in the middle of it all when you take a deep breath and relax you come and stop by wherever you can find me and let me know how you are doing. My blessings and love and a Go Girl GO for it

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Peggy, thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. I always enjoy your visits and your insights. Sending many blessings your way as you take on the work of your foundation. I know that you are capable of the most wonderful things.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Best wishes to you and yours. God's grace as Diane continues to fight. Tammy

Marit said...

Dear Peggy... you always had me thinking after I read your blogposts. I know I didn't come here as I often as I wanted (or should?) but I will miss your wise words! I wish you a lot of success with your foundation and in your life! Lots of love, Marit

Debra said...

Oh dearest Peggy, I will miss your wise, wise words but I understand the need to make choices and how important it is for us to follow through on them. You are steadfast and true so I know that whatever you put your mind to will turn out wonderfully! I am sad that I won't be able to pop over here to read your lovely posts, but I know that the next step on your journey will bring about marvelous things.(maybe you could begin a new blog about your foundation:))

Bless Diane for deciding to continue really living. Her eyes are so full of life in this photo, so I am sure that even three years later, she still encompasses that amazing spirit! I will keep her in my prayers.

Please do stay in touch! I want to hear more about your foundation and what you will be doing! Drop me an email if you get a moment.

Thank you so much for all that you have shared. I have learned much from you and hope that will continue!

With lots of love and big hugs,
Deb

Anonymous said...

What's all this then - I read on Marja's blog!?

So you've made up your mind?

miruspeg said...

Thanks for the memories dear friends. It has been an absolute joy getting to know you all.

I'll leave you with one last quote:

"I've learned that good-byes will always hurt, pictures will never replace having been there, memories good and bad will bring tears, and words can never replace feelings."
~~ Author Unknown.

Namaste
Peggy xxxx