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

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.

It's very common for people to internalize how they feel and eat their emotions. People get mad at themselves for doing this but don't understand why they keep doing something that they don't want to do.

<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>

<span style="color: #000000;">If you slow down, pause, 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. Slowing down and being mindful of your choices gives you options that can take you in the direction of your health, safety, and wellness, which can then be a positive influence on your relationships and your quality of life. </span>

<span style="color: #000000;">Do not waste your power to choose wisely. Pick one area of your life that you want to make healthier choices, whether it is 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>

<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 or pain of a loss or grief if you have to walk away from something unhealthy that has disappointed you. Most importantly, you will stop disappointing yourself, and you will find greater satisfaction in life where you value yourself. </span>

<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>