When I was younger (much, much younger) I often felt like the whole world was against me. I couldn't seem to do anything right. I never seemed to know the proper thing to do. I saw myself as being locked into one behavior pattern that was acceptable.
I am older now (much, much older), and thank goodness I have learned from experience that there are always options. Now sometimes the options are not what I would prefer. And sometimes they won't yield the result I would like. Take, for instance, this cookie in my hand. There are several options. I can eat the cookie. And maybe gain weight. And maybe feel guilty. And maybe not feel guilty. There are other options. I can put the cookie away. And maybe want a cookie. And maybe feel virtuous. And maybe go get a glass of milk. I can leave the cookie on the counter and walk away and forget about it till later. Yeah, right. Well, it is no longer a matter to worry about because I just ate the cookie and I am even now convincing myself that I am not going to feel guilty. It was a good cookie.
Seriously, I think the worst emotional times for me are those times when I don't think I have choices. I am frustrated, feeling caught in a trap of my own making. Because, I am only making the choice not to look for other options, and causing my own problems to escalate. There are always options. No one can take them away from me without my consent. And I don't consent!
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