So many of us indulge ourselves in whatever lifestyle feels good at the time, then run to a doctor or take medicine to remove the symptoms of the illness that our poor choices created in the first place. (Interestingly, all we're really doing is exchanging our original symptoms for a different set of symptoms commonly known as "side effects", but we believe that we're healing.)

True health care means making decisions in each moment which contribute to our overall, natural health and wellness. We can choose to eat a healthful dish instead of munching on sweets and salty foods. We can choose to exercise, rest properly, and eat well to enhance our immune system, rather than running to the drugstore or doctor every time we have an ailment. We can choose to nurture our emotional wellbeing with a balanced blend of solitude and socializing, and we can choose to honour our spirit in whatever way is appropriate to us.

Wholeness and wellness aren't about feeling shamed into choosing healthy alternatives. They are about making the best decision for ourselves in each moment, based on caring for the long term wellness of our whole body, mind and spirit.

So, be aware that you have a choice in all that you do, think, feel and believe in every moment. Step up to the plate and refuse to be a victim to your illusions. You are not a slave - you are powerful right now because you have choices. There is nothing anyone else can make you think, feel, believe or do right now. You may believe someone can make you do something right now, but they cannot. You always have the choice of yes or no.

Perhaps the road back to responsibility seems too long, or you feel you've come too far down the road you're on. Don't look ahead nor back; your power of choice is only in this moment. Take each small step that is in front of you, for that is all you have... right now. A whole bunch of "right nows" will add up, and you'll soon be experiencing the results of exercising your freedom of choice - wellness and health!

Believe in yourself; believe in your own power of choice.