This simple imperative—CHOOSE—was the word I settled upon because I can apply it in every situation. Feeling frustrated by another person’s actions? Choose to see where your responsibility lies. Feeling that self-loathing creeping up? Choose compassion. Feeling like things aren’t going your way? Choose gratitude. Feeling vulnerable? Choose joy. Feeling like someone has slighted you? Choose forgiveness. Feeling trapped in your circumstance? Choose self-discovery and patience. Feeling uncomfortable in that yoga pose? Choose to stay there and embrace the discomfort. I am not a victim. Every second of every day, I have a choice. And so, every day in 2017, I will remind myself of this. CHOOSE. Read more at chelseakimlong.com.