DO WE ACTUALLY HAVE A CHOICE IN WHO WE ARE? Obviously, we do not have a choice in where, when, or to whom we were born, or any physical characteristics or limitations we are born with. But what about our life circumstances? To what extent do we have a choice in the struggles we experience in life, the thoughts we think, or even our career or financial situation? How much of our life is influenced by external factors such as biology, accident, or even luck? These questions leave us wondering if we really have any choice or control over the direction, circumstances, and experiences of our lives. The factors that influence our lives and our choices are numerous and complex. In Mazdaism, the belief is that we indeed have the freedom to choose. The teachings of Zarathustra explain that we are not defined by our personality, but by our essence. With deep understanding, awareness, and by elevating our consciousness, we can nurture higher qualities within our minds and achieve true freedom. Without this, we are not genuinely free to shape our destiny.

Make a choice. In the end it all comes down to a choice: who do you want to be and what do you want to do with your life. We must make conscious choices in our lives, choices about what is acceptable and what is not, choices about who we are and what we stand for. As a coach my role is to challenge you to make strong and positive choices in your life. You will understand that there are consequences to every choice you make. Make it count. Mel Mbondiah is a qualified Social Worker in England currently pursuing her passion in Life and Business Coaching. She qualified with an undergraduate degree (Bcom) Business Management from University of Limpopo, South Africa and has worked as a Financial Adviser. She combines her corporate and personal experience to deliver value to the business and social sector. Mel Mbondiah is the Founder of Goshen Business Solutions, a Life and Business Coaching organisation that works to equip individuals to realise their goals and live fulfilling lives.

He’s older, his PTSD wounds run deep, and doesn’t believe in second chances. She does... As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more. Vietnam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and nearly impossible to heal. His war buddy’s sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but their age difference makes her forbidden fruit. After four years in a Spanish prep school, Marité’s come home ready to fight for the man she’s never been able to forget. But when Michael returns out of the past, he threatens everything Marité and Brian have started to build.

Every day of your life, you'll be busy making "choices," and some will affect you for the rest of your life. Tragically, some will also impact others throughout their lives as well. The sum of a lifetime of making personal "choices" will determine the kind of life and the quality of life that you will have literally "chosen" to live. Your "choices" will determine if your life will be like you're driving down a smooth, easy-to-travel, wide open freeway. Or, if your life will take you down a "Road from Hell," filled with devastating potholes and dangerous, off the main road detours! Weighing the consequences of "Choice A" over "Choice B" before you make your decision, is a whole new way of thinking for most young people. Because every "choice" has consequences! The alternative is running the risk of having to endure the bad consequences of impulsive "choices" for a long, long time. Make this new way of thinking your "Blueprint for Success in Life."