Remember the famous line from the movie, Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of Chocolates? Have you ever thought about the way you choose your candy? This Valentine’s Day, millions around the country will be receiving chocolate in the now familiar heart shaped box. But before you dive in, you may want to know that how you choose your piece can be a reflection of how you make other decisions in your life.

Take for instance, the person who likes to poke those irritating little holes in the bottom of each piece. These are people who don’t like risk. They want to be in control and know what they are getting before they make a decision.

Or how about the one who studies the box carefully, calculating the risks and proceeds cautiously before choosing the easily recognized and safe caramel or nut. Something safe that does not require much risk or forethought.

Then there is the one who simply eats it all without thought to the consequences or regard for anyone else. Their thoughts never stray any further than their own instant gratification. They tend to be the ‘takers’ in life and wonder why they have difficulty in their relationships with others.

Next, we have those who, before choosing their own piece of chocolate, turn to those around them and offer and allow them to choose first. These may either be very generous or they may be the ‘followers’ who want to see what others do first and then do the same. They are afraid to make any decisions on their own for fear of being judged negatively by those around them.

Lastly, we have the one who simply sees the blessing of the moment and quickly siezes the opportunity presented grabs any piece, thanks the giver and goes on their merry way.

Gratitude seems to be their strongest virtue and they appear to enjoy each moment of life.

They have learned to accept whatever comes along and make the most of each day.

As you reach for that next piece of chocolate, pause and ask yourself, if life is like a box of chocolates, what can I do with the piece I get?