There I was, in the supermarket aisle staring at the offering of room scents. Did I want my bathroom smelling like an Evergreen Forest, an Ocean Breeze, a Rain Forest Mist, a Vanilla Rose, or a Lavendar Boquet? At that moment of great indecision, an old tune by the Lovin' Spoonful played over the music system.
"Did you ever have to make up your mind?/ To pick up on one and leave the other behind? It's not always easy and not often kind/ Did you ever have to make up your mind?"
I chuckled to myself.... suddenly realizing the world that we live in has placed us in a non-stop decision making mode. I had 12 fragrances to choose from for my bathroom! That is only the beginning! Rice? Do you want Jasmine, basamati, Long Grain, Saffron, Wild or Brown? Got Milk? You want regualar, low fat, non fat, soy, milk with acidolphulus,lactose free, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavored? Coffee Creamer? Let's not even go there! Every aisle, begs you to ...MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
My mind continued....and when I get out of here, I will pass by McDonalds, Wendys, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Starbucks and Dairy Queen. And....when I get home, I will have to choose from 100 channels on cable or 120 listening channels on XM radio!
The song played...."did you ever have to finally decide, pick up on one and let the other one ride"......"ONE" I exclaimed....there is no such thing as leaving "one" behind, not anymore....now when I decide, I'm leaving a whole army behind!
I proceeded to checkout line, not knowing why I decided to allow this issue of "deciding" to overrun the calmness of this afternoon. The cashier smiled, "$45.56....will that be cash, check or charge?"......I half grinned.....pulled my debit card from my wallet...."it's a debit" I replied. I swiped the card.....the small machine now took over and asked "credit or debit?" I clicked "debit" "enter your pin #" it prompted..... "is 45.56 correct? yes? No?........."geez" I muttered..when will this stop...I selected "yes"...."Cash back? Yes? No? It asked.....My eyes bulged, with my now warming blood.....as I responded with "no", I closed my eyes....took in a deep breath, and calmed myself....."there will be no more decisions for the rest of the day. I will not allow myself to be confronted....from this moment on I am freeing myself from choice...."SIR!!" came the loud voice breaking my 10 second meditation....I opened my eyes....the bag boy staring at me..."Sir" his voice raised..."Paper or Plastic?"..I smiled and replied...."whatever you decide will be just fine!"
As we move forward into a New Year....a year that automatically renews our suscription to millions of decisions, I wish for you, a kinder and simpler year. A year that you can count on what you have, and smile at...what you left behind.
Peace and Blessings....Marc :)
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