Remember when you were a kid, and the "tough" decisions you had to make on a daily basis were trivial things like:
- Scrambled or Sunny-Side-Up?
- Sneakers or Mary Janes?
- Backstreet Boys or 'NSync?
- Hair up or down?
- Shotgun or backseat?
- Nickelodeon or Disney Channel?
Yeah.. Those were the days.
It's funny how much changes when you're older. And the "tough" decisions you have to make each and every day actually ARE tough. Like:
- Where to go to school?
- What kind of career to pursue?
- Who to marry?
- Where to live?
- How many kids to have?
...Etc, etc, etc.. The list of decisions we make every day as adults is very long. And they're usually all pretty critical decisions, too!
And another thing that makes this adult decision-making stuff so difficult is that sometimes, it seems like there are always so many different routes and options we can take, while other times, we feel like we have absolutely ZERO options. Also, sometimes several different options could be right, you just have to CHOOSE. That's the hardest part.
I just have to make a CHOICE.
Now that I know I have options, I feel like I suddenly have this awakening telling me, "EXPLORE them, Jacquie! EXPLORE!". So, off I go to explore my options... Obviously with a little help and counsel from The Man Upstairs. Because there is no such thing as making Big Life Decisions without His help, believe me!
Tell me about a big decision you have made, are currently making, or will have to make in the future. What helped you or will help you make that decision? Did you feel like you had options? Share with us!
Out,
Jacquie.
Jacquie.
I had a similar thought a couple weeks ago. I guess I'll share. So I was out snowshoeing and our destination was at the summit of this peak.
ReplyDeleteSnowshoeing is a little different than normal hiking because you don't really need to stay on the path. Everything is covered in snow, so your not gonna ruin the trail and it's often more fun to create your own path in deep fresh snow.
So we were circling around the ridge, and as we did there were A couple of different slopes and routes that people could take. After a while I got kinda sick of the trail and just started straight up the side of the mountain. It was hard, but enjoyable. I still don't know what the rest of the trail would have been like but the path I took got me to the top.
What I took away from that is this. As long as your destination is the summit, if your path is taking you up, you'll get there eventually. I guess it's the same in life. As long as what your doing is leading you to who you want to be and where you want to end up, then it's just a choice which trail you want to take. Some are faster, some are slower, more exciting, boring etc...
"Two roads diverged in wood... And [Jacquie] took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
Whatever you decide will be the right choice, you wouldn't make it if it were wrong. Just enjoy it!
I started feeling the EXACT same way when I was 18-years-old. I was beginning my Sophomore year at BYU and I had just broken up with my first college BF b/c he wanted to get married and I didn't want to get married until I was 25 (ha!). I was single for 3 days and then I realized, wow, there are SO many adventures I could be taking! So I signed up for a study abroad in Israel (this was actually a really big decision for me). 5 days later I met Kyle, 3 months later we were engaged (ha again! So much for waiting until I was 25), and then 1 week later I left for Jerusalem. I think it was actually a bigger decision for me to leave my fiance for 4 months (especially b/c he was trying to get me to stay) than it was to marry him. But I am SO glad that I did. And because I was getting married so young, I knew it would be my last chance for a completely independent journey. I think some of the best decisions we make are the ones that make us step outside of our comfort zone. Good luck in your search for the right adventure!!
ReplyDeleteUm p.s I just realized that I left you a novel :)
ReplyDeleteI just ran onto your blog.
ReplyDeletePersonally it's one word, Grad school.
Okay that's two but I think you get the idea...
Where and more importantly what specific program will I choose.
I don't think there is one right way or a right way at all.
Even the adults that are in their 50's are going back to school for something different than what they have done their whole lives.
So you're not alone on this one!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
@ Daniel - Thanks for sharing that story! I really love the analogy.. It's true - As long as you have your mind set on a good destination that will help you become who you want to be and get to where you want to go, there are lots of different paths you can take that can all be the right ones!
ReplyDelete@ Sarah - Don't worry about the "novel".. Haha. I love it when people have a lot to share! Isn't it crazy how life can take dramatic turns for the better (or sometimes worse) out of nowhere? But I'm a firm believer that as long as you are doing the things you're supposed to be doing and being the best you can be, the decisions you make will be good ones and they will always work out :) And I agree with the whole "taking an independent journey before marriage" thing. haha.
@ Sparks - Thanks for the comment! Grad school WOULD be a tough decision.. What are you looking to study? You're right - there probably isn't ONE right choice - but that just means that any choice you make could be the right one! Good luck to you as well!
Keep that attitude because you never quite know where life will take you! Plus it could end up being someplace awesome you never expected. Like I said, good luck and enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteFor me it's either anthropology with emphasis in Scandinavian studies or just plain Scand studies. And thanks, I'll need it.
Ok so I LOVEEEEE Right as Rain by Adele. I had to re-read some of your posts cause I caught myself singing :). Anywho. I have been dwelling on decisions THIS WHOLE SUMMER!!!!! I mean ever since willie left yeah, but now even more so since he comes home soon! I need to talk to you realllllyyyy bad! I need some jacquita knowledge before I make my super duper hard decision.
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