“At the center of our agency is the freedom to form a healthy attitude toward whatever circumstances we are placed in.” (Neal A. Maxwell)
At ANASAZI, where I work, one of the key tenants is the importance placed on what we call “the gift of choice”—or agency. It is something very unique in the social work field. The participants or YoungWalkers in the wilderness are given their gift of choice and as a result receive natural consequences—both positive and negative. If they don’t build a shelter they will get wet. If they don’t bust a coal to make a fire they won’t be able to cook their food. If they follow their clinical treatment plan they will be able to leave and go home on time. They are not forced to eat, hike, build, etc. They are not strip searched, yelled at, told what to do,etc. In fact, if they want to know something or how to do something all they need to do is the making of an asking. They use their gift of choice (agency) to ask for help.
One time there was a YoungWalker who helped me to realize the impact that one person’s gift of choice (agency) has on others. This YoungWalker decided to sit instead of hike for a few weeks and although the YoungWalker’s gift of choice to sit was being honored, those around the YoungWalker were getting frustrated. The YoungWalker’s choices were starting to affect others in very serious ways. It was not only affecting those that worked with this participant but also the safety of the other participants. It was becoming difficult to get food, staff, and essential items to the YoungWalker and others in their band.
Working in the office I was able to see how difficult this one YoungWalker’s gift of choice was affecting everyone. Logistics needed to be changed, vehicles were being rearranged, staff was being called in to work, etc. I don’t think the YoungWalker had any idea how much their choices were affecting so many people.
It got me thinking about my choices—how I use my gift or choice or agency in my life. How often do I think of the ramifications of what I chose to do or don’t do and how these choices affect others? I have the power to use my gift of choice to bring about purposeful and mighty change for good in my life!
How are your using your gift of choice?