Is Everything a Choice?

Navigating Life's VIBRANCY as a Busy Mompreneur

In the overwhelmingly vibrant palette of life, the concept of choice stands as a guiding beacon, influencing the path we tread and the narratives we weave. Is everything truly a choice? Iris, the luminary behind Mama's Success, infuses vitality and mindfulness into this discourse, illuminating the intricate dance of decisions, especially for the bustling cohort of women, busy mothers, and enterprising mompreneurs.

"I'm having a stressful day," Iris shared today, peeling back the layers of her day-to-day juggle, recognizing the perpetual whirlwind that accompanies balancing business aspirations with the nurturing embrace of motherhood. "There's stuff I wanted to get done in my business for weeks now. I just don't seem to have enough time."

While Iris’s sentiments resonate deeply with many multitasking mavens like myself, delving into the essence of choice reveals a myriad of perspectives. Choice, often perceived as the conscious selection between alternatives, is inherently entwined with subtleties that transcend mere decision-making. Neuroscientific studies, including insights from Dr. Moran Cerf, unveil the nuanced influence of subconscious processes on our choices, shaping decisions before they even reach the threshold of conscious awareness.

"I'm making a choice right now not to feel stressed about it," Iris says, an embodiment of the mindful approach that resonates deeply with the tumultuous lives of busy moms and entrepreneurs. Mindfulness, as evidenced by research from psychologists such as Dr. Ellen Langer, signifies a powerful tool in reshaping emotional responses. It's a beacon of hope, showcasing that amidst the chaos, emotional serenity can be a deliberate choice—a gift we grant ourselves.

Iris's poignant observation, "It's actually my choice to spend the rest of the day with my son and to work on my business in the morning," is a testament to the agency nested within each moment. However, external influences often paint the canvas of choices. Studies in behavioral economics, championed by experts like Dan Ariely, highlight how societal norms and cognitive biases can sway our decisions, curating a palette of choices that might seem predetermined.

For the bustling mompreneur, navigating this rich volume of choices intertwines deeply with mindset. A nurturing mindset, where self-compassion and mindfulness converge, becomes a cornerstone. Research from the Journal of Happiness Studies underscores that a positive mindset not only shapes perceptions but also influences decision-making, bolstering resilience amid life's tumultuous tides.

The canvas of choice isn’t just about selecting options; it's about embracing a mindful approach to the decision-making process. Empowerment, for us women juggling multifaceted roles, resides in the conscious awareness and intentional mindset we bring to our choices. While the rhythm of life may sometimes feel predetermined, the harmony emerges when they infuse their decisions with mindfulness, seizing agency amidst the chaos.

In the vibrant cacophony of existence, Iris stands as a beacon, inviting the community of women, mothers, and enterprising souls to embrace the vivacity of choice. Amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities, the power lies not just in the choices made but in the mindful embrace of decisions—sowing seeds of empowerment, resilience, and joy within the kaleidoscope of their lives.

With much aloha,


Olga Miller @YelloBirdie

MORE ON DECISION-MAKING

  • Neuroscience and Decision Making: Insights about subconscious processes influencing decisions are supported by various studies in neuroscience. Dr. Moran Cerf, a neuroscientist, has conducted research on decision-making and subconscious influences. Studies on neural correlates of decision-making provide insights into how our brains make choices before conscious awareness.

  • Behavioral Economics and Decision Biases: Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, has researched extensively on irrational decision-making and cognitive biases that affect choices. His works, including books like "Predictably Irrational," shed light on how societal norms and biases impact decision-making.

  • Psychology of Mindfulness: Dr. Ellen Langer, a notable psychologist, has conducted research on mindfulness and its effects on emotional responses. Studies in psychology, such as those published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, explore the positive impacts of a mindful approach on decision-making, resilience, and overall well-being.

  • Socio-Economic Impact on Decision-Making: Research published in academic journals like the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences often discuss how socio-economic factors can significantly influence decision-making abilities and the range of choices available to individuals.