Like everything else in most of 2020, this new Season of Fall has taken on meaning like no other we’ve experienced. Yes, I can fret and fuss and try to make things like they were before all this happened—get my ducks in a row, or my skipping stones stashed in a neat stack—however, how long will that last? A couple of minutes, an hour, a day?

For me, it’s all a great reminder of how little—or is it anything?—I really control, other than the choices I make throughout each day.

When life as we know it has been flipped upside down, inside out, what might those choices be? I’ve found the following to be timeless and effective, and they certainly make a positive difference in my life.

  • Gratitude. To have a grateful heart is to be thankful for big things, as well as the small stuff. When I’m tempted to feel like I don’t have what I need [or want] physically, emotionally, or intellectually, I know I need to redirect my attention to focus on the many blessings God sends my way. And that includes the things that seem “anything but” a gift. To choose gratitude may not always be easy, yet when we do, we step into peace and joy with an appreciation for all that we do have.
  • Authentic. Be real. Be open. Be honest. Having a bad day? While it’s not loving to throw our yucky feelings all over the nearest human target, it is healthy to acknowledge life is plain hard at times. When we stuff what we consider “ugly” emotions, we can do more harm than good, to ourselves as well as others. To be upset and hurt is to be human. It is my choice to be angry and sin not.
  • Rest. To take a break from daily tasks and enjoy a favorite beverage, or head for the nearest sofa and stretch out for a nap are not activities reserved only for the senior among us. If you are tempted to feel guilty for what you consider an indulgence, you could also use your rest time to pray, meditate, or listen to some peaceful music. To choose rest is to give our body, mind, and spirit the opportunity to breathe deeply and be refreshed.
  • Play. “Responsible” adults often stumble over this one. Play you say? How can I play when I have all this stuff to do and all these responsibilities? Maybe what we need to do is redefine “play.” Rather than see this kind of activity as childish or indulgent, what if we see it as a few minutes or an hour here and there where we take time to enjoy a favorite hobby or creative activity? The possibilities are limitless. To choose to take a walk, watch and listen to the birds, write a note, or learn a new craft will do wonders for our attitude.
  • Listen. Listen? Yes. When I realize my thoughts are flitting from one topic to another or the next twelve things on my to-do list, it’s a clear indication I need to pause and listen. Whether for a few minutes or an hour or so, to calm my racing brain and pay attention to the whispers of the Divine within will make all the difference. To make the choice to listen is not to expect we will be handed all the answers. It is to awaken ourselves to hear the insight and wisdom that can only manifest when we quiet ourselves enough we aren’t overrun by our own incessant chatter.

When we let go of our need to try and control people, circumstances and events, we ultimately discover an amazing truth—the control we do have with the choices we make inevitably makes a positive difference on many levels. And in the process, we will likely also discover blessings and gifts we would have never imagined.

Do I believe I’m in control? Of what? Of who?

Does the idea of letting go send shivers up my spine? Why?

What do I need to ask God for to help me make responsible, loving choices?