Around the campus where I work I’ve seen these signs touting the release of my team’s newest product. I know where the marketer who came up with the slogan is coming from but it got me thinking about life in general. We make choices everyday. And these choices lead us along the path of life in a life affirming or character hammering trajectory.
For example, the great debate amongst young people entering college is does one pursue what they love (music, art, philosophy) or go for a degree that will practically guarantee them employment when they graduate (business, law, medicine)? This decision is so hard to make that over 70% (last time I checked) of students end up changing their degree azimuth at least once during their paper chase.
Then there are the day-to-day choices like; do I wear Levi’s or Target jeans; drink American coffee or a Starbuck’s latte, drive a Chevy or a Lexus? Sears used to preach to it’s staff that if they could get a customer in the front door, they could usually sell them something. So people can have money problems based on their ability (or lack thereof) to make good sound purchasing decisions. I feel that you can drive that Lexus, if you have the car gene and really desire that, by purchasing used or buying new and then driving the car for ten or more years. :o)
How do you spend your time? Does it help you become more educated, smarter, and interesting to be around. If you are playing computer games, watching TV, and leading the sedentary life, I would ask you if you are really happy with that choice. Can you add a book a year, visit a zoo or go to a concert to your TODO list and maybe have more to talk about around the water cooler?
I would have my family and friends who have consistently made bad choices know that they are not stuck. They have the choice to go back to school, change from stressful jobs to better ones, and start eating and exercising properly. It you feel like you’re in a rut, you can make the choice to figure your way out or at least to a better station in life. Almost nothing is final, except maybe death and taxes.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
I completely wholeheartedly agree with you here.I have had to keep my priorities in order and set firmly in front of me since I was a teen. My decisions and choices are filtered through those priorities every day. I had no choice except to be this way in order to survive and care for myself and my family. When it is that important to me, the choices are easier to make albeit hard sometimes. You may really really really want a larger home, better car, designer purse or luxe piece of jewelry. But look at the whole cost to you in terms of your ultimate gain along with your goals. Many times the things I listed above as wanted items will diminish in importance to you.Great blog. Thank you.
Excellent post! "I’ve had choices, since the day that I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong. If I had listened, no I wouldn’t be here today, living and dying with the choices I’ve made." ~ Billy Yates and Mike Curtis ~
Moderation in all things. The US is starting the feel the pinch of the world economy and where they expected unlimited options are now realizing that curtailment would have been better. Unfortunately past choices will make it very hard to get out of the Gimme Gimme stage to the small car, house and needs level. Do NOT let THINGS own YOU!
Hugs Gandalf
If you know a good accountant, taxes aren’t final. LOL
I lovedlovedloved your blog. Given my chosen profession (full-time mother), I’ve had quite a few people look at me askance when I’ve mentioned that not only did I graduate from college in three year cum laude but I also went to law school. As if I’m wasting my education. IMHO, it makes me more interesting and able to converse with a wide variety of people. And it’s a good way to teach my children the benefit of learning for learning’s sake, not just to land a good job.
I wish I could hang out at your water cooler for a while. Sounds like a fun gathering place.
I enjoyed this post very much darling I too am college educated but my husband preferred that I not work wanting to please him I did not have a career. I have participated in many charity benefits, through the years although I had a much easier time because my time was indeed my own I still dove enthusiastically into these projects putting over a decade of my time finding them very rewarding.
I did enjoy my Art Gallery for a time but alas as an absentee owner my efforts or lack thereof produced a lugubrious effect and I had to close it, I loved the idea of having something lovely but didn’t have enough time for this passion to make it thrive. Now today when I sit and read your post I think about my life I am just thankful for all the opportunities I have had in my life grateful for everyone and everything in my life, especially family and friends.
I love simplicity; I am content these days in a way that makes me feel complete. I think to have the feeling of joy mixed with contentment means more to me than anything material. Love of family and friends makes life worth living anything else is just the icing on the cake. Although I do so love to read a good book. Just thinking about Taxes oh my do not get me started. While we all will encounter Death I like to think of this as not final. Great Post! Kisses & Hugs Catherine