Remember, you said Yes to this.

I’m climbing on my second airplane of the day to get to a gig. Flights…heels…luggin’ my stuff thru Chicago O’Hare, inwardly bitching about how bitchy the security people are. “Is my apple really a threat to national security?” “Are you really going to make that very tired lady holding the crying baby walk back through the X-ray cancer machine just to take off her belt?” I mean, really. Authority issues aside…

I realize that my mood is directly affected by my awareness of this fact: I said Yes to most everything that’s in my life.

Yes—I want this. Yes—bring it on. Yes—I’m up for this.

I drill down the layers of my choices in that moment:

I chose to take this flight; in fact, I booked this flight myself.
I chose to do the speaking gig. In fact, I’m really honoured to get on that stage.
I chose this career—with intention and passion.
And this, this line up, this hassle, this, whatever it is at the moment, this is part of my choice.
And my core choice is rooted in a desire for joy, usefulness, creative expression, livelihood through service.
And so I remember, Hell ya! I LOVE what I do.
And the security line—it’s really not so bad. I’ve had some wicked laughs in security line-ups with cowboys and big mamas.
And hotel rooms with hard, high pillows that are clearly made for tired giants—well, I can manage.

If I’m a yes to my desire, I’m a yes for what it takes to fulfill that desire.
@DanielleLaPorte (Click to Tweet!)

You’re choosing—all the time. If you’re slogging away at a job you don’t love, look at it this way: you’re choosing to make a living to pay your rent, support your kids, fuel your dreams. Be in the choice of it—that’s where your power is. You’re in a relationship that’s causing you pain—you’re choosing to be in it. Maybe staying will lead to essential growth or a breakthrough or deeper love. Or not. But you’re choosing to be in or out. Be in the choice of it—that’s where your power is.

Lost the passion? Feeling the grind? Agitated on your way to achievement?

Take back your power, own your choices, make new ones if it’s time.
@DanielleLaPorte (Click to Tweet!)

Danielle LaPorte is the outspoken creator of The Desire Map, author of The Fire Starter Sessions (Random House/Crown), co-creator of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, and soon-to-be publisher of DANIELLE Magazine, launching in early 2014. An inspirational speaker, former think tank exec, and business strategist, she writes weekly at DanielleLaPorte.com, where over a million visitors have gone for her straight-up advice—a site that’s been deemed “the best place on-line for kick-ass spirituality” and was named one of the “Top 100 Websites for Women” by Forbes.

You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @daniellelaporte.

*Featured image by PD Pics