Take the Remote Back:

The Life Remote Control: What’s Actually in Your Hands?

I often wonder why life doesn’t come with a universal remote control. Imagine it—skip the bad days, pause the good ones, fast-forward through awkward moments, and mute that one person who just never stops talking (you know the one). But alas, the remote remains imaginary, and life keeps playing, often on a setting that feels stuck between “chaotic” and “ridiculously unpredictable.”

But here’s the kicker: while I may not have control over everything, I’ve realized that there are plenty of areas in life where I can grab the metaphorical remote and take charge. And you know what? So can you.

1. Your Attitude

Life will throw curveballs—some will be laughably small, like dropping toast butter-side down, while others might be game-changing. But here’s the deal: you get to choose your reaction. You can fume, sulk, or declare a national day of mourning over that toast, or you can laugh, make another slice, and move on.

Perspective is powerful. When things go sideways, ask: “Is this the end of the world or just a plot twist?” More often than not, it’s just a plot twist.

2. Your Effort

I once saw a gym sign that read, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” That applies to everything—your career, your fitness, even your ability to bake a cake that doesn’t resemble a science experiment gone wrong.

You might not control how fast results come, but you do control how much effort you put in. Effort compounds, much like interest—except in life, it pays off in self-confidence and personal growth instead of just numbers in a bank account.

3. Your Kindness

The world can be a hot mess, but kindness is always within reach. I’ve found that even on my worst days, a small act of kindness—complimenting a stranger, letting someone cut in line, or not honking at the person who took forever to turn left—feels like a superpower.

Kindness is free, doesn’t require a subscription, and has no expiration date. And best of all? It makes both the giver and receiver feel good.

4. Your Boundaries

Ah, boundaries—the underrated hero of self-care. Learning to say “no” is like upgrading from an old flip phone to a smartphone; suddenly, life is clearer, easier, and filled with fewer spam calls (metaphorically speaking).

I used to struggle with saying no, afraid of disappointing people. Then I realized that every “yes” to something draining was a “no” to my own peace of mind. Setting boundaries isn’t mean—it’s essential.

5. Your Health Choices

No one can control every health outcome, but I know I can choose to drink more water, move my body, and swap one of those late-night snack runs for an early bedtime once in a while (keyword: once in a while).

Small choices add up. You don’t have to live at the gym or eat kale like it’s candy—just little steps towards taking care of the body that carries you through life.

6. Your Circle

You can’t pick your family (sorry), but you can pick who gets VIP access to your energy. Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and respect you, not ones who drain your soul like a phone running 27 apps at once.

Energy is contagious—choose wisely who you’re catching it from.

Final Thought: The Real Superpower

At the end of the day, I’ve realized that life isn’t about having control over everything—it’s about knowing what you can control and focusing your energy there.

So while that universal remote remains an elusive dream, at least I—and you—can still press play on the things that truly matter.

Now, go forth and take charge! Just maybe start with your attitude… and your toast.~RS