In life we are all presented with many situations. Some situations we perceive we are equipped to respond to while others we may still be reacting to.

This chart is a version of the I Choose Chart and demonstrates different natural consequences that may occur as a result of the choices we make.

Life presents many situations; some we can influence and change and others we cannot influence or change.

Rarely do we ask the question, ‘Can I change this life situation?’ Often we spend a lot of time and effort attempting to change something that is totally out of our control, resulting in guaranteed anxiety and thus a lesser quality of life.

For example: Have you ever spent a lot of time trying to get someone to change their behaviours, words, thoughts or feelings? If we are honest we could all answer yes to this one. If we were to ask the question, ‘Can I change this person who is using actions, words, thoughts or feelings I don’t like (Life)?’ the answer is clearly no. It is not possible to change another person’s behaviours, words, thoughts and/or feelings; however, often we do focus our attention on attempting the impossible, thus guaranteeing anxiety and likely non-preferred behaviours, words, thoughts and/or feelings.

This chart can be used as a simple map, highlighting the choices available when life presents us a situation we find challenging, The first question to answer honestly (which can be hard) is, ‘Can I change this life situation?’

This chart is discussed in more detail in Book 3 of the Body Life Skills series.