BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN – MESA ARIZONA – I have always believed that information provides the power and ability to make better choices. What I have found, as I enter my 50th year, is that information is good but information with life experiences is even better. When I was younger, I did not understand that every choice one makes inherently has hidden and unforeseen consequences. Understanding that those unknowns exist can make one cautious and hopefully, more wise in the choice.

I often spend time pondering on the infinite number of possible outcomes in everyday situations. Invaribly, none of those imagined scenarios come to pass. Sometimes the consequences are wonderful surprises and sometimes they are devastating disappointments.

How we face our life’s experiences tells the world who we are. Even more importantly, in dealing with the consequences of our choices, we become more familiar with our authentic self. The information we glean is really about ourselves which makes us more powerful to make better and wiser choices.

One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes … and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. — Eleanor Roosevelt