The First Step to Freedom Of Choice and Change

Greetings everyone,

I would like to share with you all my third speech in toastmasters and if you are inspired by what you read please click the buttons to share it with your friends.

Me the pigeon and the train

Good evening Mr. Toastmaster fellow toastmaster and most welcome guests

Before I begin, I don't want the title to be misleading so let me clarify what this speech is about.

 This speech is not about me jumping in front of a speeding train to save my pet pigeon, this speech is about FREEDOM of CHOICE and CHANGE

 The freedom of choosing what our heart desires, the freedom choice to decide how we want our destiny to be and to those struggling with freedom of choice I will give the first step that’s needed in order to develop your gift of freedom. 

Now my request to all of you that are taking notes, please stop and put your pens down and just let my words carve themselves in to your hearts.

It started one morning waiting for the train, sitting there in the cold rubbing my hands, I observed a pigeon making the platform his own.,walking along pecking the ground for food.

Staring at the pigeon a thought of jealousy popped into my head, wow what freedom this pigeon has, I don't see any lines of worry on its forehead or fright on its face where it will find the next meal. No rules no limits it can fly wherever it pleases.

But then the rational part of my brain voiced its opinion, and reminded me what the sweet and great business philosopher Jim Rohn said,

we humans are the only creature of choice all the other forms of life live a living of instinct, 

for example which way do the birds fly in the winter? South, a bird cannot wake up in the morning and say neh don't want to travel south this winter I think I'll check myself into the Holiday Inn in the north.

That is the beauty of freedom of choice, we can change the course of life we have been pursuing and make a 360 degree turn and pursue a completely different course of interest.

• We can change our opinions     
• We can change our lifestyles    
•  we can change our friends  
• We can change our philosophy

But I have one slight little problem with what I shared with you all, and I'm sure you can relate to me.  There are times during our lives that we bump into situations that we feel are beyond our choice, now I don't mean serious health issues, I mean the standard struggles of life,

• the one struggling to lose weight
• the struggle to achieve success
• the struggle to overcome a bad habit

 Basically any challenge that needs to be overcome

Ladies and gentleman I uncovered an important ingredient, the ingredient that’s needed so we  can take advantage of the gift that was  bestowed upon us, the freedom of choice and change.

The power to choose and commit to what you have chosen, all boils down to one word RESPECT.

When making the decision to choose , choosing to lose weight than being overweight, choosing to come here instead of just sitting at home on the recliner, choosing to do something that will take effort on your part to keep, will depend on how much respect you have to the one making the decision.

When your power of choice and change  is challenged,  you decide to do one way but can't seem to keep it more than for more than a short period of time, could be, somehow yourself respect has diminished over the years and therefore you do not respect the choices you make, you look upon yourself with disrespect because of the failings you have. 

Let me give you a different scenario to explain this concept better.

When there are a group of people sharing a conversation and one person voices his opinion and no one seems to listen, then a second person says the same thing and everyone bends over to listen, what is the difference between these two people voicing their opinions?

The respect what the audience has for one over the other.   

As long as you regard yourself with a feeling of disrespect and lack of love then the power of change will elude you.

What is your reaction when you see your friend or loved one failing? If you're a real friend you will reach out with support and encouragement why? Because you love them you see what’s special about them so why do we treat ourselves with less respect and love than we deserve?

Do this exercise

 Go to the mirror and look yourself in the eye, and give yourself that special look of love and fondness let your eyes do the talking, look upon yourself with eyes of admiration and awe of what a wonderful and phenomenal individual you are .

Let your heart be soaked in the feeling that with all your failings you are still unique and special. Let your ears hear you sing passionately and with excitement I'm special, I'm unique, I'm amazing. Maybe even add a little twirl and dance while singing these wonderful words out of your mouth.

The minute you find real respect and acceptance in your own eyes you will find the power of choice and change will be within your grasp.

best wishes and I look forward to hearing your comments below
Pinny
click for my website