The 3 C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, Changes. You must make a Choice to take a Chance or your life will never Change. (author unknown)
These ideas sum most everyone’s past, present, and future. Choices sometimes require great deliberation and other times they are readily discernible. Deciding to take a job has long term consequences. Choosing something from a restaurant menu has limited benefits or costs. Sometimes choices are not an option.
When I make a choice, I have set on a direction that means I cannot have other options, at least at that point. If it doesn’t work, additional opportunities to choose may be possible but may require patience until the timing is right. Having lots of choices is welcome but can also be overwhelming.
I cannot make a choice without taking a chance. Often the chances are calculable. Going through life without making any choices is not possible, so thinking about the chances based on thoughtful reflection is important. I cannot control the outcomes of all choices but considering the worst and best implications may make deciding less scary.
Any choice made in life will result in change. Although cliché, change is the only consistent aspect of most people’s lives. I am getting better at embracing change as I get older. Although things happen to me, and I experience good parts of my day that I wish I could hold on to forever, the reality is that change is inevitable. Embracing change and adjusting my attitude toward change, however, is an ongoing process.
Sometimes change happens and we don’t have a choice. Unanticipated and abrupt change, such as the passing of a loved one, is difficult to navigate. I recognize that my life could change on a dime, whether I have a choice or take a chance. I am grateful for each day that allows me to make choices.
My life makes sense when I think of it as a series of choices, chances, and changes. Having the expectation that change will occur can be exciting, and at the same time, daunting. Having opportunities for choices and change makes daily living easier. Adapting to change because of choices and chances, or not, is a continual challenge.