What Ever You Choose

What ever you choose, Choose to do it well.

That has become my new mantra for life. So often we struggle with choices, choices that effect our lives and the lives of so many others. I often see those around me making choices that perhaps I don't agree with. I have decided that I don't have to agree all the time with choices others make. I know I make choices that others don't understand or agree with. Tha's ok.

I have also learned and pondered that fact that really I have no right to judge another for his or her choices. I cannot take away anothers agency and really that is not my place. I have learned that my place is to support and love. But saying that I think we all the responsiblity of helping those around us do the very best with the choices they make.

In saying this I also believe that we have the responsiblitly to be aware of what is going on around us. Being sensitive and alert to what others might be expereincing. Meaning we have to be aware of the journey of those around us. Often times in our culture we just speak and do without considering how are words and actions might offend or hurt another person.

Recently I attended a function. I was really offended at the crudness of talk, actions, and language of many that were there. I did have the choice to leave, which I did, but the point I want to make is why did I have to leave because those around were not considerate of everyone in the group. There might be appropiate places where crudity can be expressed and language and actions not monitored, but a public setting where many are gathered is not the place. I was offended and the thought that came to me was how what was going on was affecting others. Perhaps there were those there that battle with different things and it could have been very triggering for them.

Yes we do have the option to leave, but the bigger picture is that all of us need to be more aware of what is going on around us and be considerate of everyone. I did bring this up in a men's meeting that I attend and was kinda beaten down for a few moments. A mentor friend saved me by reminding the group that as men we should put away childish things and be aware of those around us and where they might be on thier journey. We are all at different places. What might seem ok to one could literally destory anothers progress.

So, back to what I was saying. What ever you choose, choose to do it well. Choose to be the best version of you that you can be. I would say the best version of any one of us is a person that is aware of those around them and is considerate of how ones actions in any circumstance can effect another in a positive way or a negative way.

Choose to be the best at what ever you choose. No judgement from me if your choices are not the ones I would make, but I would expect you to be the best man you can. For example if you choose to partner with another man, be the best partner you can be. If you choose to be a married be the best husband you can. If you choose to be single, be the best single man you can. If you choose to be Christian, Buddest, Jewish, Muslum, or any other faith choose to be the best of that faith that you can. If you choose to be a friend, be the best friend you can. What ever you choose, Choose to do it well.

I think when we make the choice to do it well we will always be considerate of those around us. We will think before we speak, think before we act, always taking in consideration that we are not all on the same journey or at the same place.

May each of you be blessed in your journey and have the courage to do it well.

Brad