A homemade ice cream shop is just a stone’s throw from our little one’s elementary school. And when he has a great week at school, we sometimes celebrate by stopping by for a yummy, sweet treat.
Homemade ice cream is heavenly, with its creamy texture and bursts of flavor that melt in your mouth. And, the ice cream shop delivers all kinds of heaven on waffle cones that are light and just sweet enough for the palate. A vanilla fan? Try Vanilla Fudge Swirl. Love dessert mash-ups? The Red Velvet Cake flavor won’t disappoint. Craving citrus? Orange sherbet will satisfy, as our little guy can testify.
Options abound. And, while most of us generally appreciate having options in our lives, not every option is for us. Try suggesting chocolate to our little one, whose allegiance is to anything but chocolate. He’s super-clear about letting others know, too. “No, thank you. I don’t like chocolate,” he explains politely but firmly when offered chocolate chip ice cream, Oreo cookies, or warm cocoa.
For him, chocolate is simply not an option. I love his clarity and polite, unapologetic approach in letting the rest of the world know.
It’s an approach a lot of us older kids can use, too.
Clarity on what works and doesn’t work for us is a gift to ourselves and to others. When we’re clear with ourselves, we can be clear with others.
It’s taken time and practice shedding a lot of people pleasing to name and honor what works well for me, and what doesn’t. And, while I love to love on others generously, I’m also 100% certain that . . .
🌀giving my energy to others without boundaries,
🌀shirking on sufficient rest, and
🌀cutting corners on my total well-being . . .
are no longer options for me. Instead, I’m prioritizing options that create space and time for joy in my heart, ease for my mind, and peace in my soul.
Anything that centers our wellness and well-being is sacred. Simply put – when we care better for ourselves, we can care better for others. And I believe the Creator is pleased when we choose options that optimize what’s good for our minds, bodies, and souls.
Anything else is simply not an option.
Tell Me: What’s no longer an option for you?
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