The Power of Choice and Gratitude in Protecting Personal Freedom
If life didn’t seem serious enough, the world events from the last few months, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, have compounded an already present sense of angst. And then came the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
This was more than a political shift; it was a deliberate dismantling of personal freedoms, particularly for women and marginalized communities. It signaled that some in power believe they can legislate away another’s autonomy — and I am vehemently against it. Sovereignty means full authorship of our own lives — our bodies, our choices, our futures. When that authorship is stripped away, we’re not only robbed of rights, but of the very dignity that comes from being the narrator of our own story.
I am of the mindset and belief that trying to hinder another’s freedom always costs you YOUR freedom. Freedom from the fear of unwanted circumstances will never be achieved by trying to control the behavior or desires of others.
Your freedom and sense of life satisfaction can only be had by paying attention to yourself, and here’s where the power of choice and gratitude comes in, your desires, your wants, your preferences, your likes, and your dislikes, in relationship to you.
Desiring to control other’s choices and behavior so you can feel happy or satisfied or pleased or safe in your own life and relationship with life is short-lived and will never be the source of lasting happiness and satisfaction.
PS. It’s okay to feel afraid sometimes. But wield your power of choice with intention — and never deny yourself the gift of feeling good, whenever, wherever, and however you can.
How Gratitude Shifts Your Energy and Expands Abundance
The single most powerful abundance mantra we can state is: Thank you.
The world, and our inner worlds, have been heavy with confusion and fear. It’s easy to hyperfocus on the upset when it’s everywhere: on the news, in classrooms, on our feeds. It becomes the wallpaper in our minds, loud and omnipresent.
But here’s the truth: you are always at choice, even when it doesn’t feel like it. That’s the power of choice and gratitude — the ability to shape your inner landscape regardless of outer circumstances. (The Atlantic explores how gratitude shifts brain chemistry and builds resilience.)
Yes, take reasonable precautions, but be mindful of how much fear you consume. Energy is like food: binge on panic and you’ll become panic. The same way four tubs of ice cream feel in your body, fear overload feels in your spirit. (Verywell Mind explains how a daily gratitude habit can reframe fear and increase well-being.)
Practice healthy physical hygiene and healthy spiritual hygiene. Choose what to feed: the garden full of color and nourishment, or the one overrun with weeds. Whichever you tend will grow.
And in this quieter, less hurried moment in history, you have a rare chance to center yourself and rediscover what brings you the most joy. Which is why I created The One Abundance Mantra To Say All Day, Every Day: Thank You, a stabilizing anchor in the storm, paired with my ThankFull Tea Infusion recipe to magnify your gratitude and multiply abundance.
Download your free Abundance Mantra Recipe + ThankFull Tea Infusion below.
Dr. Dowling has spent years helping people live richer, more joyful lives. She has seen firsthand the magical pairing of psychology and life coaching, which allows people to access their happiest selves.
View Dr. Dowling's articles on Mindbodygreen
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