The best way is always through

February 22 The best way out is always through. —Robert Frost Empowering Ourselves through Our Choices Every time we do something because we think we have to, or because we think we should, we are motivating ourselves through guilt and shame. How does it feel to do this? It can feel overwhelming and restricting. Sometimes, it can actually feel like there’s a heavy weight on our chest. Try a new way— discard the words “I have to” and “I should” from your vocabulary and only do things you value doing. Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s impossible. There are some things we just have to do!” Consider your job. Do you go to work in the morning because you have to or because you want to? You are in your job for a reason. Do you need the money? Do you live in a small town that you love, but which offers few good-paying jobs? Or are you working so your spouse can go to school? Whatever your reason, you are working to fulfill some life-enriching purpose. Connect to that purpose and change your language to “I’m going to work because I love living in this small town” or “because I value the options afforded by the money I make here.” Shifting the energy that motivates our actions can bring empowerment and joy to our lives.