Why I am choosing life

Courage

Jan 11

On Friday, a new woman came to my gentle flow and restorative yoga classes in Santa Rosa. She was the first person there, so I introduced myself and asked the usual question, "Do you have any injuries I should know about?"

She replied, "Many. I'm recovering from surgery and my second round of breast cancer treatments. This time, the doctors had to do several surgeries and I have scar tissue on the front of my body." I was shocked. Here I was, in my own bubble all week, spending time on emails and to-do lists, thinking about my own little problems.

All my problems suddenly seemed so small.

More people trickled into the room and laid out their mats while I was still processing what this new student had just told me.As the other students sat down, I asked, "Would you share with us any insights you've been learning and how you have changed your approach to life?" She said, "After I found out I had cancer the second time, it was hard, but I had a distinct moment where I told myself, 'I choose life' and that pulled me through." I thought about the times in my life when I had sank into feelings of meaninglessness and looked back at this courageous woman sitting in front of me.

It takes courage to choose life. {tweet it}

I realized I had never had that distinct moment of "I choose life" like this woman had. She reminded me that my life is a gift. Every moment is a gift, and everyday we have the choice to truly live. In that moment, I chose life, inspired by her courage.

She went on to say, "I now choose to do something that makes me happy, everyday. That's why I'm here at yoga."

So today, I simply want to remind you: You are the owner of your time. You are choosing how you spend it.

And I'd like to ask you a few questions:

What could you do today that brings you more joy?
What does 'choosing life' look like to you?
Is it different than how you are living right now? If so, what is one step you can take to change it?

I'd love to hear in the comments below.