People Do What They Want To Do

People Do What They Want To Do

I believe people do what they want to do. More often that not, with the knowledge of what the world views as correct or common, our minds are in a constant battle of acts versus action. I know it’s the right thing to give a homeless man food or money, so why do I not always put my mind’s thoughts of good will into practice? Probably because I jump to predetermined conclusions about why I think the man is holding a cardboard sign with one hand and smoking a cigarette with the other. So the other day while waiting at a red light, I yelled across one lane of traffic, “Hey Buddy, want a granola bar and some water?” Putting a thought into action feels amazing. And, for a couple seconds, my mind actually entertained the thought of keeping my window tightly sealed.

Working in a dental office, I see a multitude of people from every walk of life. It’s the perfect stage for daily Q and A sessions. Before the health field decision, I did consider social work and in fact took several classes pertaining to ‘society’. For some reason I’m still floored when a common storyline constantly repeats itself: Mid-30s, smoker (I promise I’m not a hater of smokers), soft drink addict, buffet eater, diaper-only baby, who owns at least one HD flat screen, places coin after coin into a crane machine, and buys excessive amounts of junk and wants all their teeth yanked out because they are rotten and no one can afford to fix them. People do what they want to do. Is this person doing what she wants to do? Most likely. If I were given the chance, I could lavish out loads of compassion onto her and in an hour try to coach her into taking part in a sequence of events that could potentially change her family’s future tree. But would she be happy with a 360 degree change in her life story? Probably not. I know I certainly wouldn’t be thrilled with a Freaky Friday affair. Is it the patient or practitioner who is lacking in action?

I do what I want to do most of the time. Although it would be so incredibly easy to sleep in on Sunday mornings when I, as an active member in my home church, know I should attend the service. And it would be just as easy to drive-through every evening rather than eating a healthy meal at home. And life would be amazingly pleasant if a week’s vacation could be taken each month. But overall, I do what I want to do most of the time; and this includes constantly reflecting on the Almighty’s favor (and lucky lot) my life has been blessed with.

Realize what matters most. Prioritize your life and routine. Base your decisions not only on the present, but most importantly the future. Let your actions speak louder than your words. And always do what you want to do. You will anyways.