I’ll admit it. I am fascinated by what makes people tick. Why are human beings the way they are, or appear to be? Why did they make the choices they did? Personal and career choices can go in many directions. Were the choices made from strength and conviction or settling from fear and weakness?

More specifically, how did you get here in life — January 2010? Where were you born? What choices have you made to end up here, doing what you do, with these people in your life?

What choices have you made to live in various places that ultimately led you to the Lake Oconee area? What jobs have you had in your career that led you to the one you now have, or retired from? What lovers have you rejected, or been rejected by, to have you today living with him/her? Or alone? (This question is not meant to be shared with your current lover of choice).

And there are more choices to make. Life goes on. You have many, or a few, years to live. With whom? How? Where? Doing what? Happily?

Do you feel free to choose the next step of your life? Do you have a high quality life with a lot of satisfaction and joy that gives you optimism with regard to its continued existence? Or are you trapped — sentenced to a benign boring existence, plodding through the day, with superficial friends.

I was talking with a man the other day. He had moved here alone from a distant place. He’s not found this area to be a right choice for himself. He’s moving on, hopeful that he will find more happiness in his next location. He’s made another choice. He’s chosen not to stay stuck where he currently is. May this be the right one for him.

Myself. I’ve been fortunate that through the detours and occasional poor choices, I’ve ended up in this paradise with a wonderful wife, kids within driving distance, doing what I love personally and professionally with people I respect and, in some cases, care deeply for. (I'm reminded of a popular song by Rascal Flatts, (now there's a name for you) entitled “God bless the broken road that led me straight to you”)

The recovery community has a wonderful saying/reminder: “Just do the next right thing.” This imperative gives hope that in the various choices before us, that if we just focus on “doing the next right thing” that we will be blessed with good outcomes.

Choices involve an analysis and then a decision. MLK gave me insight with this quote: “Every decision involves an incision.” What do you choose? What do you cut off to move forward?

The point of all of this is that continually we are called upon to make choices. It is important to understand the choices we have made, learn from them and then make good or better choices for the future.

May all your choices be the right ones for you, and for the special people in your life!



—Dr. Stathas is a counseling psychologist, licensed marriage and family Therapist, in the Lake Oconee area. He is the founder of the Stathas Life Development Center. He can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com.