Choice or Decision?

Is there a difference between a choice and a decision? I had a conversation about this and it led me to thinking.

Different ways of looking at things will always feed my mind. Who’s to say what is right? I love considering the answer to this unique question, so here goes. Let’s use this just as an example for the conversation (it does not represent me and my exact habits, though I do believe we need a healthy sustainable food system): I have decided to forego eating meat. I find that I get all up in a frenzy being around animal flesh, and I bristle when anyone challenges my new mental image of not eating meat. I stock my kitchen with legumes, veggies, fruit, zero meat products; and, I plan the fun right out of each meal because I refuse to be around anything posing as meat or real meat from now on. Social pressure feels like it is turning up the heat, and I can hardly tolerate it. I believe I have made a decision.

If, on the other hand, I slow down and reflect on my values what will happen? I commit to journal a bit & become aware of my values around health, gut biome, the environment & how we produce food, ethical treatment of animals, and transparency in farming. Any discomfort that comes up as I explore, I can directly link to my newly discovered values. By eliminating meat from my routine and my meals, I can sense in my body a commitment that feels like it is telling me “this really matters to me.” I feel more calm in the heat of others’ indifference. I don’t have as much drive to immediately dismiss others, or go into freeze, fight or flight mode. I can deal with things as they come since I am true in myself and my own values. It is simply on my list to go meatless and not to prove myself to anyone else. I can adjust to social circumstances that come up in a heartbeat. I am flexible when things don’t go to plan. I can talk about it in a relaxed, open manner. I believe I have made a choice.

Choice feels more open and a part of me. I can easily own it. It is a value I have embraced. Decision feels like a “should” and maybe even an ultimatum, even if I give it to myself! Especially an ultimatum if it is given to me by someone else. I haven’t internalized it.

We have many values, and many are hidden behind behaviors. Perhaps you have a value of creating hilarious and mischievous moments with your kids, or, hiking in the mountains as much as possible to greet the amazing summit, or maybe bingeing crime shows for hours on end, or running outside daily in the cold of winter that goes away too soon - that’s embodied choice behind values (connection, taking risks, relaxation, freedom, autonomy, and more).

Choices, I believe, after some consideration — carry our inner world and love. And that feels a whole lot lighter than a decision. Lighter like a feather.