The Gift Box or the Prison Box: Choosing Joy Over Suffering

The Gift Box or the Prison Box: Choosing Joy Over Suffering

Every morning we wake up with a choice — a choice to experience the goodness that’s already before us. That single choice determines how our day unfolds.

When we attach our focus to gratitude, to the simple joy of being alive, our hearts open to happiness. But when we fixate on pain, grief, or what’s missing, we unknowingly lock ourselves into suffering. Both doors are always open. We get to decide which one we walk through.

I learned this lesson deeply on the baseball field.

As a pitcher, I’d start each game filled with excitement and joy — ready to compete, locked in, and having fun. But baseball has a way of humbling you quickly. Maybe I’d give up a few hits, walk a batter, or even watch one leave the park. Suddenly, that light feeling of joy would start to fade, replaced by frustration or self-doubt.

The funny thing is, nothing about the present moment had changed except what I was telling myself. My self-talk shifted. My focus slipped. I went from gratitude to grief — from the gift box to the prison box.

What I’ve come to understand is this: the mind will always build a box.

You can either make it a gift box — full of gratitude, opportunity, and presence —

or a prison box — full of fear, doubt, and perfectionism.

Each day, we face moments that test our focus. But when we meet those moments with the mindset that everything works out for our growth, life becomes lighter. Even the hits we give up — the ones that don’t go our way — become lessons. Even the innings that feel long become opportunities to reset, refocus, and rise again.

When we stay committed to giving our best — not being perfect, just present — the game becomes fun again. The noise fades. We find ourselves in flow.

It’s in that flow that our routines of thought become powerful.

We don’t just talk to ourselves; we lead ourselves.

And when we can lead ourselves, we can lead others.

Sometimes all it takes is a five-second window — five seconds to breathe, reset, and choose which box we’re going to live from.

So today, choose the gift box. Choose joy.

Choose to compete, to create, and to live with a grateful heart.

Because joy, just like suffering, is always a choice — and the choice is yours.