Everyone goes through pain — that’s the simple truth of life. No one is exempt. Yet, there is one priceless gift that no one can take from us; not people, not circumstances, not even God. That gift is the power of choice.

Every day, we are faced with decisions — big or small — and each choice we make shapes the direction of our lives. Our choices can make us or mar us. With every decision comes a certain pain: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is always yours to make.

A wise man once said, “We must all suffer one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” — Jim Rohn

Just like the fisherman who knows the sea is dangerous and the wind is fierce, yet still sails out each morning — we, too, must confront our fears and pursue our purpose despite the storms. The risk of trying is always better than the emptiness of never beginning.

If you’ve ever spoken with people in their seventies, you’ve probably heard them share stories filled with reflection — about things they could have done better, the chances they didn’t take, the dreams they abandoned too early.

Now that you are in the prime of your days, you have a choice to make. Will you act boldly today or live with “what ifs” tomorrow?

Remember: whether you pay the price of discipline now or the price of regret later, you will pay. The question is — which pain will you choose?

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” — Lewis Carroll

“Your life is a result of the choices you make. If you don’t like your life, it’s time to start making better choices.” — Unknown

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important than fear.” — Ambrose Redmoon

Choose wisely. Choose action. Choose growth. Because your choices today will write the story of your tomorrow.

#FelixOdukanmi