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Yoseph Janowski
By the Grace of G-d

Choices

Politics, religion, attitudes, intelligence, confidence, disillusion, joy, sadness, motivation, friendships, optimism. These are just some of the many causes that can influence choices in life. Ultimately we need to look at the big picture when we make our choices.

Sometimes we are so sure, so committed, so needing a particular choice, that our intellectual analyzations may become slanted, in order to serve the choice; much like shooting an arrow and then drawing circles around the arrow. First we shoot, then we draw the target around it. First we choose, and then we rationalize arguments to justify and support the choice.

It’s not always easy to make the right choice. We can talk it over with ourselves, trying to figure it out in our own minds. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk it over with a friend, someone who understands us and who has a keen understanding of the matter being discussed.

Ultimately, our choices impact ourselves and those around us. The Lubavitcher Rebbe once told a teacher who felt that he is seeing minimal effect on his students, that his influence is not like ripples in the water, rather it’s nuclear.

When we help others, it’s a nuclear reaction that keeps on going, affecting others who affect others who affect others in a powerful chain reaction. Our one act of caring and guidance for one small child can lead to tremendous benefit for so many. Our one act of compassion for a person who needs it, can save a world.

And it all starts with one good choice.

The world is waiting for happiness. The world is waiting for us to choose well.

About the Author
The author lives in Toronto, Canada. He has written for ExodusMagazine.org.