Stop and think for a second. Most people don’t give much thought to their personal choices and how powerful they are. The impact of choices steers our short- and long-term futures. Secondary to the actual decision maker and almost as important, choices affect others in their closely knit circle.

Final decisions are powerful because they mark a point of no turning back (unless you’re trying to figure out whether you want the McDonald’s combo #1 or #2). If you weigh choices made on finances, relationships and health, you’d have to agree that one’s health has the greatest ripple effect on the decision-maker and their friends, family and colleagues.

Here’s an example of a personal choice to be a good Samaritan. I have no idea why, but the first Spider Man (2002) movie comes to mind. Peter Parker is going through the motions when a police officer yells for Peter to help with apprehending a carjacker. Peter opted not to act and the carjacker eluded the police officer. During the escape, Peter’s uncle is killed by the carjacker.

Uncle Ben’s lesson, “With great power comes great responsibility**,” echo through Peter’s mind. Peter realizes his inaction led to his Uncle’s death. This fictitious example illustrates the power of personal choice best.

A powerful personal example was a decision my father made regarding his health. Years ago, my father was advised to take a certain medication for preventative purposes. He chose not to and years later, encountered problems that were of great concern to our family. Luckily, the problem was contained, but, had my father chosen differently, the health scare could’ve been avoided and our family would’ve been spared undue stress. Most recently, my father needed an unexpected heart valve replacement. He asked the experts how long he could put the surgery on hold (unbelievable, right?) The answer was three months.

Thank god my father spared himself and everyone the agony and didn’t wait to have the surgery. The surgery went well and so did his recovery; many good calls were made which was extremely comforting.

**“With great power comes great responsibility” -

This phrase is actually a paraphrase on Winston Churchill's famous words: "For with primacy in power is joined an awe-inspiring accountability for the future" - From his 1946 speech in the presence of President Truman, in which he addressed USA's new role in the post WW2 era.

Everything we do is a choice. Most choices, particularly health choices, affect those we love. If we choose not to take care of ourselves, we’re hurting our friends and family, too. My father’s case is a dramatic example, but choices such as eating well, exercising and managing stress are just as important although they’re often overlooked until it’s too late.