What if we could see all of our life possibilities at once? Every twist and turn, every fork in the road, and the outcomes that come with each different direction? Marry this person instead of that person. This job instead of that job. This place to live instead of that place to live. We make decisions that alter our future all the time, but what if you could see all the different paths and then choose? Would that be cheating or taking control of our destiny?
Could we then map out our perfect life avoiding all heartbreak and pain? Do we only do the things that make us successful? Will any of the answers to these questions help me go back to sleep?
I think we play the "what if" game all too often—wondering if decisions of the past or the chances we took paid off the way they were supposed to. If given the opportunity to see all the paths I could've taken, I'm not sure it would've made any difference for me. I think I've always known what I wanted to do with my life and who I wanted to share it with.
Our lives should be full of the unexpected; otherwise, we would be bored silly. We don't want to know the plot twists or how the movie will end. It wouldn't be any fun if we were told the outcome ahead of time. Instead, it's that unpredictability that makes us want to have adventures, take chances, and try new things. I went on a lot of bad dates before I met my husband. I worked in many different fields of business before taking the leap to become an entrepreneur. I continue to learn and grow through trial and error.
It would be great not to dwell on regrets. (Maybe then I would sleep better.) But, at the same time, it's those embarrassing moments or lapses of good judgment that have taught me the most about myself. It also gives me an endless supply of funny stories. Let's face it; a perfect life has very little comedy material in it.
Instead of seeing how we can change the past, we take a minute and be present. We take in a deep breath and enjoy a sense of peace. Everything we've done has brought us to this very moment, and we should enjoy it. Our future is a second away, and with that, opportunities are around the corner. Yes, we should plan, hope, and dream for continued success, but remember to appreciate how far we've come.
We can believe that our story is already written or choose to believe in free will. (I think I'm quoting the band RUSH now.) Every day, we're faced with decisions that can easily change our course and set us on a new path. I like to think that I'm constantly rewriting my future by being open to all possibilities put in my way. Life should not be complacent but full of surprises. Take a chance on the unknown and create your own plot twist. No one should sit through a dull movie.