Do you feel like you’re being pulled in two different directions? It happens to the best of us! Let it be said, we need to make a decision at some point, for we cannot sustain the tension our indecision creates forever. Unfortunately, the fear, the anxiety, and the uncertainty envelop us to the point where we cannot function very well in our everyday lives. If you find yourself in this unpleasant state, there is a way out. Ultimately, the solution can be found in deciding. As obvious as this sounds, it is the only way. If we remain in indecision, the pressure will literally pull us apart, and we’ll fall in one direction or the other. We’ll either fall into the past, where we choose the option we already know does not work anymore, or we’ll fall impulsively into the future, with the option we’re not quite prepared for yet. Because neither option is optimal, we have a tendency to succumb to overwhelm and not decide anything at all. Our goal is not to fall into something against our will, but to consciously choose one or the other, so that we maintain our sense of power through our will. We must keep in mind, we are being presented with an opportunity to change and grow, and this is always a good thing. The good news is that although we are uncomfortable, the opportunity to choose something means we’re halfway there already! Again, we have three options to choose from: sticking with the old way, trying something new, or not choosing either. Before we take a look at what each of these creates, let’s consider the two parts of ourselves involved in the decision-making process itself, the heart and the mind.
Our Mind
It is our mind that helps us analyze what we’re actually dealing with. We have an opportunity to look at all the details of what our decision or choice will bring us. This is only half of the process, however. To get to the end and make our final decision, we have to feel within our heart which is best. This is not possible within the mind. If we stay there and expect results, we’ll just continue to “spin our wheels” in an unending attempt to be logical, and thereby have to justify, whatever choice we’re leaning toward. It’s our ego that will try to convince us that we haven’t gone over everything enough, and it would therefore be inappropriate to decide yet. This is a trap, though, and it will drain us to exhaustion if we let it. You see, there’s only so much consideration we can give something. It may be time to take a risk and jump right in!
Our Heart
This is the place we need to go to be successful in making our decision. Often times, our heart, and mind are at odds. The decision we’re really making then, no matter what our choices may be, is whether we want our heart or mind to have the final say. To help us decide which one to go with, we need to remember that our ego has a powerful standing in the mind but has no access to the heart. The implication, therefore, is to let the heart hold a little more sway in the end. If you recall, the mind tends to separate, where the heart has a more wholistic approach. This is important, because we need to understand how our choices and decisions will impact all parts of our life. The mind will likely over-emphasize certain elements over others. We need to be as inclusive as possible in order to make the right decision. The heart is a better guide. Our hearts give us access to a “higher feeling”, if that makes sense. Our mind always brings in the element of right and wrong, which will keep us stuck. The heart says, “give it a go, and then you will know”.
Choosing the old
That old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, is applicable in many cases, but it’s also a little misleading. The “tried and true” certainly helps us feel more comfortable in our lives. In other words, we need to have some sense of reliability to be able to function at all! The truth is, however, we also need to be flexible and allow for change. At the very least, we need to be open to modification. If everything needs to be a certain way, always, then new and better ways can never present themselves. We’re all confronting this reality in a general sense in our current time. We will not be able to sustain ourselves any longer with the old ways alone. The fear of the unknown holds the world captive and is adding stress to our individual lives as well. We can help alleviate some of this stress in the world by trying new things, in smaller ways, in our own life. Generally speaking, if a particular decision keeps presenting itself to you over and over, then something is broken. It’s time to get moving!
Choosing the new
If you’re leaning toward change and trying something new, there will be some fear and apprehension coming along for the ride. That’s ok. This is why it’s so critical to include your heart in your experience, for it is here where strength and courage can be found. Our mind, unfortunately, has no ability to comprehend these essential human qualities. They are inherent qualities, by the way. This means we all have them, and we can use them in our experience if we allow them in. To help courage work a little better, we can remember that the new will almost always be accompanied by some of the old. This “overlapping” helps us understand that slow, consistent change is best. We are then able to relax and trust ourselves. We know how to do things, we’re just going to do them in a slightly different way.
Choosing nothing at all
Not choosing is also a decision. There are times when we feel forced to make a decision, when it may not be the right time. In this case, we need to let it go and move on to something else. This can be just as challenging as indecision. Although we’re strong and courageous, we’re tenacious and stubborn as well! Put it on the back burner, if necessary, it’s not going anywhere. We need to keep in mind, however, this particular scenario is used as an excuse more often than it should be. Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether we need to take action or not. If it keeps coming up to the point where other parts of our life are suffering because of it, then it’s time.
My friends, indecision creates unnecessary chaos and anxiety in our lives. So, weigh things out in your mind, follow your heart, and make a decision today. We all get stuck at times. The discomfort will motivate us to take a deep breath and gently move forward. You see, when we don’t choose, we lose. We win when we accept the opportunity for change that presents itself every day!
All my love and support, be well