<strong><span style="color: #000000;">USE Your Power of Choice</span></strong>

<span style="color: #000000;">So much is going on in the world today that it can be overwhelming. In the meantime, you're just trying to get through your day and deal with your own problems and issues.</span>

<span style="color: #000000;">It's very common for people to internalize how they feel, stuffing their emotions. People get mad at themselves for continually to engage in this unproductive cycle.</span>

<span style="color: #000000;">Within each of us is an instinct, a knowing, a gut feeling....something that tells you what you should really do, or a hesitation that says, "Don't do that. Wait." </span>

<strong><span style="color: #000000;">Slow Down and Listen</span></strong>

<span style="color: #000000;">If you slow down, pause, and listen to that voice or that feeling, you will engage your power of choice. You have the power to choose your actions regardless of whatever anxious thought, stress, or bad feeling is happening inside of you. Slow down and be mindful of your choices. Give yourself options that can take you in the direction of your health, safety, and wellness. This can lead to positive influences on your relationships and your quality of life. </span>

<strong><span style="color: #000000;">Pick One </span></strong>

<span style="color: #000000;">Embrace your power to choose wisely. Pick one area of your life in which you want to make healthier choices, such as eating better, exercising, advocating for yourself, walking away from a toxic relationship, getting organized, or other exploring something that you've always wanted to do.</span>

<strong><span style="color: #000000;">Awareness and Choice</span></strong>

<span style="color: #000000;">Become aware of what you want and what you don't want. Take advantage of your ability to say yes to yourself, and say no to unhealthy situations. You will survive the temporary discomfort and grief of walking away from disappointment and toxicity. Most importantly, you will stop disappointing yourself, and you will find greater satisfaction in a life where you value yourself. </span>

<strong><span style="color: #000000;">Move Forward</span></strong>

<span style="color: #000000;">Use your power to choose something good for yourself today. You are your own greatest source of power. Ask for help if you need it. That's OK. It's all about making choices that help you balance, focus, and achieve your goals. </span>

<span style="color: #000000;">[author] [author_image timthumb='on']http://dianazilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/profile-pic-2015.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]by Diana Zilly, MS, MA, LCPC, NBCFCH. Diana is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and former Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Joliet Junior College. [/author_info] [/author]</span>