Making a choice that collapses several possibilities into one reality is hard, especially if those possibilities are all equally attractive. But by the nature of our existence, it becomes imperative sometimes to make that choice because the alternative is just staying put, and that is a choice in itself.
I’m facing such a consequential choice right now. I don’t know what to do. I’ve listed down the pros and cons, spoken to people who matter, prayed harder than ever, and now I find myself exactly at the same place where I was before these choices materialized. I need to better at this.
So here’s what I’ve done so far to clear my head:
You might remember my acquired skill of drawing in the Ligne Claire style like Hergé of the Tintin comics. I picked up the album “King Ottokar’s Sceptre” because I remembered this shot of Snowy being confused between holding on to the titular Sceptre to deliver it safely, vs a bone that would extinguish his hunger.
So I copied that panel, and illustrated it with my own hands.
Now that I’ve put my thoughts into an image, I’m going through all the poems I’ve written in the past about making choices and living life the way you’ve made it. I think they are a good collection to go through again. So dear reader, you get to read them again too!
Here is my collection of poems on choices.
Before I start, I’m curious - how do you make decisions when faced with two life paths? When was the last time you made such a decision and how did it play out?
Share your experiences with the Hello Universe community in the comments below.
Alright, poems start in 3… 2… 1!
1. Choices
A verdict, decision, a choice that you make. A personal election, a path that you take. A branch of your future, that's probable now. Does it come from goodness? Does it come from love? Does it come from positive places of mind? Does it feel like it would bring positive times? Does it feel respectful to one and to all? Does it have an outcome of truth as its goal? Does it make much sense to your internal guide? Does it make you feel like there's nothing to hide? If "yes" is the answer, then go forth my friend. To lovely new futures your life will be sent.
2. Choosing Choices
Walking on the path of life new paths emerge each day. Some made of clay, some made of wood, some full of sun and hay. Some paths seem full of roses yet their thorns are quick to prick. Some loose and muddy yet you find in some way, they just click! Some paths are full of lovely friends, their presence just for you! Some paths are full of odds and ends, some full of what's untrue. Now sometimes, you may have to choose, between two paths alike. Whose types and characteristics are equally dreamlike. You never thought you'd come to them or to you they'd arrive. You rarely ever thought of them, but now, they are alive! They seem like they're the same, yet there is more than meets the eye. If you look really closely the differences magnify. You'll feel giddy and overwhelmed, you'll struggle then to pick, the path that you will choose to go, the one to which you'll stick. The tricky part has started now, the part where most abscond. But if you find an answer, then you'll pull yourself beyond. And even after all this if your path's still at a fork, then take this simply as a sign to - Choose, Commit, and Walk.
3. Before And After
For every choice I chose to choose, for every path I picked to go. For every fight I fixed to lose, for every speed I sped too slow. For every person in my past, for every lesson that I learned. For each regret that I surpassed, for every corner that I turned. For every heart I did not win, for every place I did not see. For every virtue, every sin, for sadness too, or times of glee. There was a life I could have seen, there was a man I could have been. But I can't let that get me dim, for he's not me and I'm not him.
4. Story Of Your Life
The story of your lovely life the way it's been so far. From when you came down to this earth to when you got your car. From when you went to school, from when you made your first best friend. To where you are today and maybe to the day it ends. The story of your lovely life the way you've lived so bold. Would you rather have it be forgotten or be told? If you would like it told to all for centuries to come. Then get to work my friend, for there's a lot more to be done! 😀
That’s it! Thanks for reading edition 169 of Hello Universe.
I’m so glad to have you, dear reader, to walk through these lanes of life with me.
I hope these poems help you some day too!
That’s it for this week, see you next Tuesday!
Decisions, decisions...are not always easy or clear, for sure. Having never earned a whole lot, the financial aspect certainly comes in to play. Even when I was young I remember thinking, "do I wish to labor x amount of hours for this purchase?" Lol. Lastly I often discuss big decisions with friends and family I love and respect. I remember once laboring over the idea of buying my son an all terrain vehicle for his birthday. Why, because he wanted it so much and we live on 25 acres in the woods. I remember speaking to my close friend of 40 years and when I was done talking she said, "making this purchase is so not you and what you stand for." She was right, I hate noise, I hate pollutions, and I hated my son having something outside of normal as he played with 4 other neighborhood kids daily. How would one vehicle affect the dynamics with the other 4 kids? I'm so glad she said those words to me, to remind me of what I value. Ive never regretted going with my gut.
Amazing