My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Restaurants
  • Recipes
  • Par’s Picks
  • Privacy Policy

The Question That Can Change Your Life If You Let It

written by Parita 12 Comments

Over the past few months, I’ve found myself asking the same question over and over again.  And every time I ask it and answer honestly, my perspective and attitude shift completely.  It’s the kind of question that can change your life if you let it.

Whats the Alternative

What’s the alternative?

Let me share a recent example to provide some context.  I was really upset about something the other day, and I could literally feel myself going down a dark hole.  The tears started flowing down my face, and slowly but surely the negative thoughts made their way to the forefront of my mind.

It took a few minutes, but I eventually asked myself, “Parita, what’s the alternative right now?”  My choices became pretty clear.  I could sit on my bed, think negative things, and continue to be upset for the rest of the day, OR I could think about the situation in a different way (it was possible in this case) and be grateful and optimistic.  The choice was mine.  In this case, I decided to go with the positive alternative, and I’m pretty sure that choice changed a whole lot, not only for the rest of that day but for days to come.

Look, I get it.  When you’re in the thick of things, this is the last question that comes to mind.  Sometimes it’s a little bit harder to get up, dust yourself off, and keep going.  And that’s ok.  But at some point, you have to make a choice.  And by asking this question and thinking through the alternatives, you’ll not only be able to move on faster but you’ll see the situation in a completely different way.  Trust me.  I’m the most emotional person I know, and even so, this question has brought so much clarity and insight.  I won’t go as far as saying it’s made me a rational person, but it’s definitely helped me think more logically about things.

The example I shared earlier is obviously more serious.  However, this question applies to any and all situations.  When I’m feeling lazy and unmotivated to go to the gym, I ask myself what the alternative is – sleep in and feel lethargic all day or get my butt to the gym and do something good for my mind and body.  Nine times out of ten, I end up at the gym!  When I’m upset with Vishnu about something stupid, I ask myself what the alternative is – stay mad and not have any fun or choose to see how awesome he is and have lots of fun.  Fun always win!  When I’m scared to try something new, I ask myself what the alternative is – stay inside my box and keep on with the status quo or step outside my box and grow as a person.  This one often takes a bit more thought, but I usually choose to take the risk and step outside my box.

Everywhere you turn these days, the conversation is about being happier, living more positively, changing your life for the better, etc.  This is all well and good, but the question that always comes to mind is HOW.  Realistically, how do I turn lemons into lemonade?  Well for me, this question is it.  Like I said, when I ask it and answer honestly, I’m always left feeling better than I did before.  Not only do my thoughts change for the better, but my actions and behaviors do as well.

I’m now at that annoying point where I ask everyone this question – my mom, my sister, Vishnu.  If you come to me with a problem or decision you need to make, I’ll likely end up asking you, “What’s the alternative?” Smile  And I promise it’ll change your life!

Happy Friday and thanks for reading!

Related Posts

  • You Win Some, You Lose SomeYou Win Some, You Lose Some
  • Book WormBook Worm
  • Freak Out MomentsFreak Out Moments
  • Happy Diwali!Happy Diwali!
  • The Journey to Week 17The Journey to Week 17

Written on September 11, 2015 Related:Inspirational, Life, Self

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    September 11, 2015 at 9:17 am

    I love this! That’s such a great way to give yourself perspective!

    Reply
    • myinnershakti says

      September 13, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks, Liz! It’s totally changed my perspective over the last few months and helped to decrease my stress level.

      Reply
  2. Jessie R says

    September 11, 2015 at 11:47 am

    Love this! So true 🙂 So often our anger/frustration/etc is just not worth it. Happy Friday!

    Reply
    • myinnershakti says

      September 13, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Thanks, Jessie! Hope you had a great weekend.

      Reply
  3. Kacy says

    September 11, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    This is so inspiring Parita! I have to admit sometimes fall prey to wallowing in my misery instead of choosing to see the positive side. Great perspective!
    Kacy recently posted…Express Lunch at Kapnos TavernaMy Profile

    Reply
    • myinnershakti says

      September 13, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks, Kacy! And I do too, trust me. This question just helps me snap out of it faster than I was ever able to before…at least 95% of the time!

      Reply
  4. Reshma says

    September 11, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Great point! I actually asked myself the same exact question earlier this week with an issue at work… it definitely helped change my attitude about the problem.
    Reshma recently posted…Desert PizzaMy Profile

    Reply
    • myinnershakti says

      September 13, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Thanks, Reshma! It’s such a simple yet powerful question.

      Reply
  5. Salma says

    September 14, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Being happier is definitely a choice and it’s something that took me a long time to figure out. I do like the question. It’s direct and makes you really think!
    Salma recently posted…Meal Plan #66My Profile

    Reply
  6. Shamim Jaleel says

    October 11, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    I love this! I will definitely give this question a try and hope that it will decrease my stress level. Thank you!

    Reply
    • myinnershakti says

      October 14, 2015 at 8:27 am

      Thank you and I hope it helps! 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Apartment Drama + 25 Week Update - My Inner Shakti says:
    March 31, 2017 at 5:01 am

    […] BIG LESSON LEARNED:  Staying as positive as possible really is the best way to face tough situations.  As I said to Vishnu quite a few times, “What’s the alternative?” […]

    Reply
Welcome to My Inner Shakti! This is my little corner of the internet where I explore and share more about the things that give me my inner strength. I hope you stick around! Read More Here...

MIS gives back!

All advertising proceeds from this blog will be donated to a different charity every month!

Subscribe to MIS

Sign up now to receive all the latest from My Inner Shakti straight to your inbox!

Follow me on Feedly!

follow us in feedly

LOVE my blog!

Follow on Bloglovin

Web Hosting

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

  • How to Crisp Up a Tortilla
  • My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Vidhi
  • DIY Diaper Pail
  • Marriage Advice for My Little Sister
  • Homemade Wax Recipe
  • Drunk Elephant Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routines
  • Our Indian Baby Shower!
  • 30 Random Blog Post Ideas
  • The 3 Things I Am Not

Follow me on Instagram!

Copyright ©2022, My Inner Shakti. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs