What’s The Gift? Choice or choosing?

Last weekend while at a restaurant, I was reminded of my second favorite Super Bowl commercial. 

The McDonalds “Uhh” commercial. I’m loving it, because it’s true. 

How many times have we gone to a place we know all too well and still had nothing but “Uhs” and “Ums”?

It’s the moment now, and we’re up. It’s our turn to choose, it’s quiet, the camera is on and everyone is looking and waiting on us. (or so it seems)

Me? I have to choose? 

I knew what I was going to get until the waiter/waitress came.

I knew what I was going to say before it got quiet, and the camera turned on. 

I knew what I was going to do before everyone started looking and waiting on me. (or so it seems)

I knew, until the time came. The time to choose. (whew, the pressure)

It’s hard to choose. Especially when there are so many good options. So many things we could do. 

If I start my own business it’ll be good because…,but if I stay at my job it’ll be good because..

(That was me an hour ago trying to choose which idea to share here.)

It becomes even more difficult when outside influence is involved, and outside influence seems to always be involved.

Well if someone at the table is ordering the same thing I’ll get something else. 

If my co-worker already has these shoes I can’t get them too. 

I decided, but now I know what others decided and “Uhh, Umm”.

I don’t think the hard part is saying “this”. I think the hard part is saying “this” when we know it means “not this” to all the other good options. 

Would someone please give me a group of options where only one option is really an option. Make it easy for me please.

Even easier if you curate the whole experience for me. 

You choose. You decide. You pick. I’m much too afraid. 

So What’s the gift? Options or Choosing? 

Uh, maybe it’s both? 

P.S. If we look around it’s not hard to see how many people don’t have the choices we have. One way we might be able to express our gratitude for the gift of choice is by making one.