We’ve all had those days, weeks, or years where we just didn’t seem to know what to do. At those times, we tend to wish that there was a guidebook to life – SOMETHING or SOMEONE to tell us what to do.

Over the years, I’ve discovered one simple rule that you can use to make any decision – and I’m going to share it with you today. Anytime you’re not sure what to do, ask yourself – which option before you is the most loving? When I say loving, I’m talking about self-love AND love for others.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out the most loving option, so let’s go through some examples.

Imagine that you and your partner are having problems and you’re trying to decide if you should try to make it work or leave. Now, the answer will be different for everyone, and it will be dependent upon your situation.

If you and your partner are truly in love with one another and are just having some communication issues, then the most loving option is probably to try to work it out – and if you can’t do that yourself, then you probably want to get some help from a professional.

If you and your partner are no longer in love, then ask yourself – is it more loving to stay in a miserable relationship or to move on? In this case, it might be a more loving option for both you and your partner to move on – before you begin to hate each other.

This principle can be used to make all sorts of decisions – career, relationship, or what to do this weekend. Every time you’re at an impasse, just ask yourself – which option demonstrates the greatest level of love of self and others?

A final piece of advice: NEVER make a decision from a place of fear – ALWAYS move from love.

As always, I am available to you if you have any questions – for counseling, mindful change sessions, or coaching. Please let me know if you would like to talk with me. You can send me an email at heather@mindfulchange.com or call me at 613.601.1083.

I think this week’s quote embodies this rule perfectly.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.