“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection – or compassionate action.”

—  Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

If you get up in the morning and …

• choose your clothes
• choose your shampoo,
• choose your conditioner,
• choose your soap,
• choose your make-up,
• choose your hair brush
• choose your breakfast
• choose your coffee
• choose your vehicle
• choose your route to work
• choose your tasks at work
• choose what meetings you’ll attend
• choose what you’ll eat for lunch
• choose what you’ll work on after lunch
• choose when to take a break
• choose whether to work late
• choose when to leave work
• choose what to eat for supper
• choose whether to eat in or dine out
• choose whether to do dishes or not
• choose to clean the house or not
• choose to do laundry or not
• choose whether to watch tv or not
• choose whether to watch a tv show or a movie
• choose when to go to bed
• choose what book to read
• choose when to go to sleep

… when do you choose to give your time to others?

We also choose our homes, our religion, our politics, our beliefs, our values, our house decor, our garden plants, our lawn ornaments, our arguments, our humor, etc, etc, etc. If we’re busy making all these “important” choices in our lives, when do we make time to help another person, to show honest compassion, or to acknowledge their contribution to us?

Most people really have a lot more choice in our lives than they often are willing to admit.

I can choose better. Can you choose better, too?

Took a martial arts class with my son, and took off from work a little early to get him to piano also. Gave a little feedback to his piano instructor which will hopefully make the Choordination group’s  next workshop even nicer. Also, played a little freerice. 

Note — In a follow-up to my article yesterday I got a hug and a thanks from my neighbor tonight. Cookies make everything better.