The choice is yours

When I got up this morning I saw that I had put the clothes out that I wanted to wear. I stopped for a moment and thought, why did I do that? Then I remembered I have an appointment today to get the oil changed in my van. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve missed appointments by not setting my clothes out. But even in doing that, it’s still possible I may miss the appointment. Such is the vicious cycle of my brain trying to be normal in a chaotic world of screwed up nerves.

I have to go to the car dealer to get my oil changed because most establishments get a bit nervous knowing that there is no drivers seat for them to sit on to pull the van in to the shop so they can do the work. I know the dealer just places a bucket or a folding chair down to sit on so they can drive. They have no problems doing that. Maybe the others think the workers may get into a wreck driving the few yards needed to do the work.

My van is set up to use hand controls for a powerchair (wheelchair) driver. All the pedals still work for a normal driver if I place the real seat back in, but then I couldn’t drive myself to the appointment which makes no sense to me. I’m trying to be independent. That would be the opposite. I know I will have to pay more for the work but that’s better than not getting it done at all.

I have noticed that at times I have to compromise my choices in order to remain independent and that’s not always bad. Sometimes different choices are worth selecting. Sometime they make life better. Sometimes they are difficult to navigate. Sometimes they are worth the wait.

When was the last time you struggled with a choice? Maybe it was this morning, when you decided to hit the snooze button—again. Perhaps it was when you left your closet in a shambles after trying on seven different outfits before an outing. Maybe it was at the doctor’s office looking over different multiple sclerosis treatment options. Or maybe it was last night when you contemplated your employment choices or lack thereof.

Often, making a decision—even a seemingly simple one—can be difficult. We are all different and live unique lives, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to independence. Weigh the options, look over the possibilities, and choose. Make each choice with courage, confidence, and determination to take on the journey, regardless of how difficult it might be.