what to do about choice, part 3, October 23rd

Make your decisions nonreversible.

Picture your decisions. This is my skill, in essence. Analog photography, film photos aren’t able to change once they’re taken. I developed the talent to recognize patterns, visual, temporal and execute. I record them to demonstrate, highlight and illustrate. With pictures I explain, teach and reflect. Revision isn’t an option of mine. I accept this in my art, didn’t yet connect it to my life.

Practice an “Attitude of Gratitude”

I’m not like your average unaccomplished amateur. I don’t complain. I verbalize. In a world hellbent on perfection, dissatisfaction looms around every corner, like a trash can. A lot of moments we wish we could bin, like that time I inelegantly asked to split the bill at dinner. Whiners get a real kick of lamenting every aspect involved and without. “You just don’t get it. Those people, man, they just come into our neighborhoods and take our jobs.” What the wet blanket doesn’t understand, circumstances affect us all- and are seldom caused by others. He’s scapegoating. I appraise matters for what they are, with an impassive lens, to best highlight a solution.

“It’s wicked cold out, like fifty something degrees, and this guy still wants me to come. Probably gonna pay to take the train or ride a bike in this weather- but I’m running low on funds. On the other hand, my friends online are watching the unprecedented box-office flop, Morbius, free. I stay warm, eat and flirt the night away.”

The picture gets clearer without negative emotions in the way. I know first hand, habits of thoughts die hard. I still buy high and sell low. So, research explains a sure-fire method to increase your thanksgiving.

1. Keep a notepad at your bedside.
2. Every morning, when you wake up, or every night, when you go to bed, use the notepad to list five things that happened the day before that you’re grateful for.

I realize reading a bunch of steps about how to help yourself isn't helpful. You're not the one with issues. I am. So, following this third installment of what to do about choice, expect a reflection on how this book and its suggestions were well worth $2.