“You are your choices.” -Seneca
It sounds like such a cliché to say that most of what we’re seeking is already within us, but nonetheless, it’s true.
Happiness doesn’t only exist in some perfect tomorrow when our circumstances look ideal. It’s a moment-to-moment choice that has to do with how we perceive and respond to what’s in front of us. We can choose happiness right now.
Peace doesn’t only exist in some time without obstacles or troubles. It’s something we can feel by accepting what is, doing our best, and believing that’s good enough. We can choose peace right now.
Love doesn’t only exist in a storybook relationship with the perfect person. It’s something we can nurture within ourselves in any moment and then share with the people and the world around us. We can choose love right now.
Success doesn’t only exist in epic achievement, some day down the road. It’s what we feel when we honor the things that matter to us instead of making excuses why we can’t. We can choose success right now.
We can choose what we think. We can choose what we believe. We can choose how we react. We can choose how we act.
This moment is all there is—and while we can’t control everything about it, we can choose who we are and what we do within it.
What do you choose right now?
Photo by memsahib 313
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.
- Web |
- More Posts
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Hi Lori,
Thanks for the timely reminder. Lately I’ve been feeling a vague sense of sadness in my nows. I suspect it’s the holidays, but I haven’t been able to shake it. I have no reason to feel bad. I have a couple of wonderful friends. I have two wonderful sons and two beautiful grandkids. Work is going well. I’ve been putting my best self into each day with my family, friends, and coworkers. I know that “this too shall pass.” I choose to be present in my life. It’s perfectly fine to be just how I am and be happy despite any bad feelings I might have.
Blessings,
Sal
Love love love this, Lori!
WELL SAID! This should be on Tiny Buddha’s home page. Everything flows from the principles you share.
🙂
Hi Lori. I need your advice (And anyone else who reads this comments, feel free to share your thoughts as well)
What do you do when you feel torn between what feels right to you and what other people say is right?
I’ve always been one to say “believe in your decisions and do what feels right to you,” but when people who mean well and seem to know what’s best for me sit me down and tell me over and over and over again that I’m making a mistake, it leads me astray and makes me second guess myself.
I’m the kind of person who learns from my own experiences. If I make a mistake, I learn from it. I don’t get something until I get it, you know what I mean?
I’m very content with the path that I am on in my life and I’m content with the choices I have made…Right NOW at least. Shouldn’t that be enough to continue on and not allow myself to be led astray by other people?
Thank you. xoxo
Thanks Christen! You’re right–these ideas pretty much summarize the site’s main messages!
I know exactly what you mean. I’ve always been someone who needs to learn for myself, and I’ve seen a lot of experiences as valuable that other people termed “mistakes.” I’ve had many people try to talk me out of (and into) things I didn’t want to do, and most often I’ve recognized in retrospect that it would have been better to follow my own instincts.
I think that if you’re content with your choices, and you feel a deep conviction that they’re right for you, then perhaps you’ll need to repeat that over and over again to people who consistently try to change your mind. Hopefully they will understand and honor your right to make your own choices and let the chips fall where they may!
I’m sure they mean well, since they care enough to try to help. Sometimes it just takes people a while to let go of what they think is right.
I hope this helps!
Lori
You’re most welcome Sal. I think the holidays evoke sadness for a lot of us. I’m glad you’re able to see beyond these feelings and know that they will pass!
Much love,
Lori
Thank you. I agree that it’s better to follow your own instincts. There will always be people who experience things differently. Just because something was a mistake for one person doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be a mistake for me.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts! I feel a little better now. 🙂
Wonderful words Lori. It’s the only way to a greater, grander life. Focus on what you want to feel, who you want to be, right now!
I choose to be content.
Hi Madison!
I can so relate to what you are saying about feeling torn between what feels right to you and what other people say is right.
The fascinating thing is that I’ve observed myself wanting to do something and even if other people would say it would be the wrong thing, I’d not feel torn and do my thing anyway. On other occasions though, their comments would leave me feeling torn.
I’ve noticed that often that is because in some way they are reflecting doubts or concerns I’m having myself.
So what I tend to do is to sit down and explore any of these doubts/concerns I might be having and work through these.
Also I sit down to check in with why I so badly want to do the thing I want to do. That helps me to get more clarity and ground myself.
Let me know if this helps!
xo
An
Thanks so much Elle! =)
Thank you An! That’s an interesting point and I never looked at it that way. I feel like the only reason I may be second guessing myself and having concerns is because it seems like so many people are pitted against my decision, even though it’s really not that big of a deal.
I’ve decided to handle this by staying true to what feels right to me, while also staying open to what well-meaning people have to say just in case those feelings were to ever change.
But I want to give myself permission to live my own life because for so long, I let other people dictate what I should or shouldn’t do. It feels empowering to take my own route and maybe I feel concerned because that particular way of living is so new to me. I was so used to letting everyone drag me around that when I decided to lead myself, it felt kind of scary.
Cannot explain how I got here. Been looking for “something” for a long time now. Found myself buying $2.00 buddah necklaces on ebay and reading quotes online. Decided to jump on twitter, looking for inspiration, found tiny buddah. After reading this site and quotes, I feel optimism that has avoided me for years.
I’m glad you found your way here and that this was helpful to you!