The Gift of Having Choices
How a Simple Conversation Reminded Me to Be Thankful
By Paul Eugene | Body • Soul • Spirit
It Started with a Birthday Dream
Recently, I was talking with a neighbor about my plans for my upcoming birthday.
I've been thinking about taking another cross-country train journey from Pittsburgh to Seattle and back. I enjoy traveling, seeing different places, and experiencing the beauty of this country.
But then something else caught my attention.
I saw an advertisement from Virgin Voyages for a 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Suddenly, I had another possibility to consider!
I began imagining myself sailing through the Caribbean, enjoying the ocean, visiting different destinations, and simply relaxing.
And then I started comparing my previous travel experiences.
Remembering the Journey
My recent cross-country train trip was an adventure, but it wasn't always comfortable.
The train was bumpy, and I didn't get nearly enough sleep. In fact, on the return journey, I ended up sitting upright.
I remembered how tired I felt.
Then I thought about my last cruise.
I slept wonderfully! There was something peaceful about being on the ship, settling into my cabin, and getting a good night's rest.
At 70, I've learned that enjoying the journey also means paying attention to what my body needs.
I still enjoy adventure. I still want to see new places and experience new things.
But I've also come to appreciate comfort, rest, and the freedom to travel in ways that suit this stage of my life.
So there I was, weighing the possibilities.
Another train adventure?
Or a relaxing Caribbean cruise?
And then my neighbor said something that changed the direction of our conversation.
A Simple Statement That Made Me Pause
My neighbor said:
“It's nice to have choices to travel.”
I stopped for a moment.
And then I responded:
“I am thankful.”
Those three words stayed with me.
Until that moment, I had been thinking about which trip I wanted to take.
But my neighbor reminded me of something I hadn't stopped to consider.
The fact that I had choices was itself something to be grateful for.
Sometimes we become so focused on deciding what we want that we overlook the blessing of having options.
And that conversation caused me to reflect on more than traveling.
Appreciating My Freedom
As I thought about my neighbor's words, I realized there was something else I was thankful for.
I'm a single man.
At this stage of my life, I have a certain freedom to make decisions for myself.
If I want to take a cross-country train trip, I can consider doing that.
If I want to celebrate my birthday on a Caribbean cruise, I can explore that possibility too.
I can make plans, change my mind, or decide that I'd rather stay home.
And I appreciate that freedom.
Of course, being single isn't necessarily better than being married or sharing life with someone. Every season and circumstance brings its own opportunities and responsibilities.
But I've learned to appreciate the life I'm living rather than constantly comparing it with someone else's.
And that brings me to another realization.
Not Everyone Has the Same Choices
As grateful as I am for my freedom, I also recognize that not everyone has the same opportunities.
Some people have family responsibilities that make traveling difficult.
Others face financial limitations, health challenges, or circumstances that leave them with very few options.
Some may long to travel but simply cannot.
I don't take that lightly.
My neighbor's words reminded me that the things I sometimes consider ordinary may be things someone else is hoping to experience one day.
And I don't say that to feel guilty about having opportunities.
I say it because I want to remain grateful.
Gratitude doesn't mean we should feel guilty about the blessings we enjoy. It means learning to recognize and appreciate them.
More Than Just a Vacation
When I look back at photographs from one of my previous birthday cruises, three things come to mind.
The destinations. The people I met. And the freedom.
I remember the excitement of visiting different places, meeting people along the journey, and enjoying the freedom of being away from my everyday routine.
One memory that stands out is my first visit to the Dominican Republic.
I remember approaching the island by sea, knowing I was about to experience a place I'd never visited before.
That's one of the things I love about traveling. The anticipation of arriving somewhere new, the people you encounter, and the freedom to explore.
Looking back, I realize those experiences were gifts, too.
At the time, I was simply enjoying my vacation. Today, I appreciate those opportunities in a deeper way.
For me, traveling has never been just about reaching a destination. It's also about the experiences along the way.
At 70, I still have that desire to explore, meet new people, and experience more of the world.
But I've also learned to appreciate something else: the comfort of a good night's sleep!
And perhaps that's part of the beauty of growing older. I can still enjoy adventure while recognizing what I need to make the experience enjoyable.
I haven't lost my desire to explore. I'm simply becoming more thoughtful about how I choose to explore.
Growing Older Has Changed My Perspective
One thing I've been discovering as I grow older is that my priorities are changing.
There was a time when I might have focused primarily on the excitement of reaching a destination.
Today, I also think about the journey itself.
Will I be comfortable?
Will I get enough rest?
Will I have time to relax and enjoy the experience?
I've spent 37 years teaching fitness and encouraging people to take care of their bodies.
Now I'm learning to apply some of that same care to my own life.
I don't have to prove anything by choosing the most demanding adventure.
And I don't have to stop exploring simply because I'm getting older.
I can still embrace adventure while making choices that honor who I am today.
That realization has brought me a greater sense of peace.
A Moment of Gratitude
There's a verse of Scripture that comes to mind as I reflect on this experience.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...” — James 1:17 (KJV)
Sometimes those gifts are obvious.
Other times, they're hidden in the ordinary moments of life.
A conversation with a neighbor.
The freedom to make a decision.
The opportunity to celebrate another birthday.
The ability to look forward to something new.
And perhaps one of the greatest gifts is simply recognizing what we already have.
I've been thinking about how easy it is to become occupied with the choices before us without appreciating the freedom to choose.
Sometimes gratitude begins when we stop looking at what we're deciding between and start appreciating what we already have.
So, Which Trip Will I Take?
Well, I haven't decided yet!
Maybe I'll take that train across the country again.
Maybe I'll find myself sailing through the Eastern Caribbean.
Or perhaps another possibility will come along.
But whatever I decide, I want to remember that conversation with my neighbor.
Because before I choose where I'm going, I want to appreciate where I am.
And before I make my decision, I want to be thankful that I have one.
A Question for You
Has someone ever said something simple that caused you to stop and appreciate something you had been taking for granted?
Perhaps it was a conversation, an unexpected experience, or a quiet moment that changed your perspective.
I'd love to hear your story in the comments.
Until next time, keep living, keep growing, and keep taking care of your Body • Soul • Spirit.
❤️ Paul Eugene
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