Let's discuss self-determination (Kujichagulia).
self-determination
noun self-de·ter·mi·na·tion | \ˌself-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən \
"free choice of one's own acts or states without external compulsion"
Synonymous to accord, autonomy, and free will.
There's even a Self-Determination Theory with mini theories.
Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) "To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves."
We have the right to self-determination. To do. To be. To define. To create. To speak.
When you reflect on how you are living vs how you want to live, how well do your actions reflect what you see? Are the decisions you make heavily influenced by the external world you?
The choices you make are SELF-DETERMINED. Your actions of today can determine your tomorrow. That's why it's crucial to know yourself, where you've been, and where you want to go.
My Self-Determined Diet
I am not one to be moved by the newest diet trends or fads. I mean, really...
"Only real food is gonna last. All that trendy food is here today gone tomorrow." - Jimmy Smith
Unfortunately, there are some desperate enough that want to eat "this" today and have fat gone tomorrow. Worth a try, right?.. but when the diet is over.. BOOM! Weight is back AND THEN SOME.
Although my friends think I only eat greens and grass (LOL), I've decided not to label myself as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc. There's some things I consume in moderation or not at all: Soy, Dairy, Meat, GMO, and anything I can't pronounce! C'mon, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a lil cheese & butter every now and then.. BUT I've recently found vegan cheese, so I've cut back. :)
I strive to find the much-needed balance between happy AND healthy; so that it works for me.
In regards to diet, self-determination is important, but can be tested in certain situations.. like, oh I don't know.. THE HOLIDAYS! However, I stuck to the plan! I had to be mindful and know that indulging could lead to back sliding and that's not the lifestyle I aspire to create for myself. I'd be the only person being cheated if I make a choice to go against the grain of my own goals.
That's one aspect of my life where my self-determination shines pretty bright.
Self-Determined Lifestyle
I find strength in being knowledgeable about the world around me. It enhances my ability to navigate and exercise the control I have over my life. That knowledge is powerful.
My advice:
Be clear about the lifestyle you want to live. Be intentional about actions you take to get there.
My Question:
What does self-determination mean to you? What ways do you express self-determination?
#TheUrbanAura
Considering the thought I had to put into this response I have quite a bit of work to do in this area.
Personally self-determination is remembering to always get back up. It’s holding myself accountable for the decisions I make each day and evaluating whether they are productive or counterproductive to my ultimate goals. Of course at times they can be horribly counterproductive but getting back up and taking the extra time to figure out how I can learn from it and push myself toward my goal is key. It’s an uphill battle for me BUT I am learning.
I express it by challenging myself in my personal and professional life. In my professional life having a mentor coach obser…
What does self-determination mean to you? To me it means being driven towards your goals you have for yourself...Willing to put off the things you love to reach that goal so it can benefit you and your surrounding.
What ways do you express self-determination? Now for me this is a area I Struggle alot, I use to have the determination to do anything for myself but after two kids and a husband all my energy is put into that...So to ways I Express my self determination is through yoga (when I can fully do a seesion) ..Meditation because I want to live a peaceful life so being able to exercise those this is my way of Express my self determination