I’m often asked, “How do you do it?” People can have a glamorized idea of what my life is like traveling and living internationally as an artist and teacher.

In some ways, this is indicative of the culture of advertising and marketing that has blossomed around the more modern and western ways of commercialism. In order to sell, we promote benefits. And while these benefits are certainly important, that doesn’t mean that they come without difficulties.

Yet in the midst of whatever may be difficult or glorious, in our ongoing creation of life, we make choices. If you are lucky enough to have the access and utilities to be reading this, then you have the freedom to make a multitude of choices on a daily basis.

So when people ask me how I live my life (with the assumption that it is only and always “perfect“) the answer I have is simple:

At every moment possible, we can be aware of the fact that there are choices.

Here are some of the choices I’ve observed in the last few days. Making a list like this is a simple and powerful way for me to find joy in riding the natural ups, downs, ins and outs of life.

I am choosing to live this life.
I am choosing to teach 13 classes this week.
I am choosing to invest discipline into passion.
I am choosing to have a home in Bali.
I am choosing to have a home on the opposite side of the world from family.
I am choosing to discover new family.
I am choosing to love the people in my life. All of them.
I am choosing to be of service in any way I can.
I am choosing to enjoy.
I am choosing to fall in love.
I am choosing to work for bliss.
I am choosing to be reserved.
I am choosing to be open.
I am choosing to be present.
I am choosing to not be concerned about my concerns.
I am choosing to own my life, not be owned by it.
I am choosing to make my schedule rather than my schedule making me.
I am choosing this. Here. Now. Even though it may hurt.
I am choosing to pamper myself.
I am choosing to be an active creator of atmosphere. What atmosphere and I creating now?
I am choosing to make calming sounds.
I am choosing to observe my feelings so that my feelings are not observing me.
I am choosing to learn. Always.
I am choosing to give without expectation.
I am choosing to live without expectation.
I am choosing to live.
I am choosing to love.

What are you choosing?