Inevitable vs. Optional

I saw a great quote from the Dalai Lama the other day — “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”  It got me thinking about other things that were “inevitable” and our optional responses. 

Here are a few I came up with: 

1. Setbacks are inevitable.
Staying back is optional.

2. Falling down is inevitable.
Staying down is optional.

3. Bad days are inevitable.
Bad attitudes are optional.

4. Rain is inevitable.
Being a wet blanket is optional.

5. Taxes are inevitable.
Being charitable is optional.

6. Hard times are inevitable.
Humor is optional.

7. Death is inevitable.
Leaving a legacy is optional.

8. Losing some battles is inevitable.
Keeping a winning outlook is optional.

9. Failures are inevitable.
Quitting is optional.

10. Doubt is inevitable.
Faith is optional.

11. Aging is inevitable.
Maturity is optional.

12. Arguments are inevitable.
Forgiveness is optional.

13. Temptation is inevitable.
Integrity is optional.

14. Jealousy is inevitable.
Trust is optional.

15. Love is inevitable.
Devotion is optional.

16. Chaos is inevitable.
Calmness is optional.

17. Need is inevitable.
Restraint is optional.

18. Weakness inevitable.
Strength is optional.

19. Choice is inevitable.
Decision is optional.

20. Confusion is inevitable.
Quietness is optional.

21. Pressure is inevitable.
Resistance is optional.

22. Things coming to an end is inevitable.
Beginning again is optional.

23. Competition is inevitable.
Leading the field is optional.

24. Reality is inevitable.
Vision is optional.

25. Adversity is inevitable.
Triumph is optional.

26. Victories are inevitable.
Humility is optional.

27. Fear is inevitable.
Courage is optional.

28. Self-doubt is inevitable.
Confidence is optional.

29. Ugliness is inevitable.
Seeking beauty is optional.

30. Questions are inevitable.
Finding answers is optional.

31. Being wrong is inevitable.
Obstinance is optional.

32. Ignorance is inevitable.
Education is optional.

33. Talking is inevitable.
Listening is optional.

34. Taking is inevitable.
Giving is optional.

35. Acquaintances are inevitable.
Friendships are optional.

36. Inspiration is inevitable.
Motivation is optional.

37. Morning are inevitable.
Being truly awake is optional.

38. Sleep is inevitable.
Dreaming is optional.

39. Spending is inevitable.
Investing is optional.

40. Work is inevitable.
Work that matters is optional.

41. The passage of time is inevitable.
Merely passing the time is optional.

42. Ambition is inevitable.
Achievement is optional.

43. Music is inevitable.
Singing is optional.

45. Violence is inevitable.
Peace is optional.

46. Scowls are inevitable.
Smiles are optional.

47. Exhaustion is inevitable.
Energizing is optional.

48. Being tested is inevitable.
Being prepared is optional.

49. Income is inevitable.
Wealth is optional.

50. Life is inevitable.
Truly living is optional.

It’s inevitable that I’ve omitted a few that you might like to see added. 
Why not contribute few more in the comments area below.

…It’s purely optional.