In my job we
use a method to teach the children called “Highscope”. A characteristic of this
method is a heavy emphasis on choices. We believe that by giving the children
the means and ways to make their own choices, we can empower them to become
independent individuals. Many parents cannot comprehend how a child of two and
a half can make an informed choice. It requires a lot of patience and
understanding, as well as the correct training. Through learning about this
method, I have actually grown in my own understanding of life. That is to say,
I have learned that we always have a choice.
The choice we would like may not be available, but the fact is, we all
have free will.
At this time of the year, it can be difficult to persuade the children
to sit at the table at certain times of the day. So we offer them a choice.
They can sit on their chair, or sit on our lap. Obviously the child does not
want to sit at all, but that choice is not offered. So the child chooses to sit
on the chair. We explain to the child that if they get up when they’re not
supposed to, they have to sit on our lap. They really don’t like this, so they
choose the lesser of the two evils! In the same way,( depending on one’s core
belief) life/the Universe/one’s God etc can offer up some tough choices. About a year ago I was faced with having to
make one of these choices. I was seriously ill. It was recommended I had major
surgery. Did I have a choice? On the face of it, many would say no. My response
to them is “There’s always a choice” I could have not had the surgery. I could
have had treatment that would have delayed the progression of the condition.
The list goes on. Fact is, I chose to have the surgery. By making this choice I
also chose to accept any consequences of having the surgery. There were many
(and still are a few) nights when the pain was so unbearable I wanted to give
up. But I chose to fight. I will continue to choose to fight.
So the quote
says that our decisions shape our destiny. I will always believe this to be
true. Life throws us these conundrums, but it is our decisions and how we deal
with these problems that ultimately shapes our destiny. Do we make the “right”
choices? Who knows? It is my belief that there is no “right” or “wrong” choice,
only lessons to be learned.
SharonAnn
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