“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” ~Flora Whittemore
Some decisions seem so inconsequential when you make them.
You choose not to go to lunch with your coworkers. You decide against making that call about taking a class. You reconsider your plans to go out with your friends and instead sit alone, in a familiar space, with a familiar level of comfort.
Every small decision affects the next decision you get to make.
If you don’t go to lunch, you might not learn about a new position at your company. If you don’t make the call, you might not find out there’s a scholarship program that could help make your dreams come true much more easily than you thought. If you don’t join your friends, you might miss a unique experience that you’d have cherished if you had it.
We don’t have to do everything; in fact, it’s just not possible. But we can choose to open doors more often than we close them. We can choose to be part of the world more often than sitting on the outside.
What doors will you open today?
Photo by neonow

About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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I loved this. Thank you for the reminder to keep my doors open for opportunities 🙂
Great reminder. Your post evoked an image of revolving door in my mind. You know the kind at hotels where two people can hop into one section if they are moving quick enough! I could see myself in a continuous flow of allowing new openings and leaving behinds all in the same moment. Today I will open a new door in my heart allowing new actions and visions to come forth.
You’re most welcome. It’s something I try to remind myself of every day =)
What a beautiful image! You always have the best way of explaining things–so rich and vivid. An early Happy New Year to you =)
[…] 12/29/10 Tiny Wisdom: On Everyday Change | Tiny Buddha […]
yeah Lori, the image is splendid! I actually know that ever door I close will take me to some another door that is more enjoyable and fruitful to me. It’s good to close doors behind you and make sure you constantly search for some other wonderful ones to open. What