(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
A political leader of an emerging country was asked about the great sacrifices she had made during her country s rocky road to freedom. She responded that she “had never sacrificed, merely made choices.”
Her s is an interesting distinction. Most people seem to buy into the belief that they make sacrifices from time to time for a cause, a loved one, a job or a principle. They seem to like, or at least are comfortable with, the idea of sacrificing.
The truth is all you do is make choices — about what you will do or not do, about what you will support or defend. Your choices determine your direction, and to some extent, your outcomes.
If one of the outcomes you want is to feel that you have sacrificed, then realize that is only a choice you make.
Copyright 2003 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.
