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March 31, 2005
choices
"there are no answers, only choices."
- (i don't remember)
ariel's commentary on the choices we make in our lives, and the profound impact they have on the course of our lives, struck a chord.
i've put a lot of thought into this subject. over the years i have learned some interesting lessons. probably the most important lesson that i have learned is that there is an order to the universe. every choice we make, the large and seemngly tiny, have a profound impact on the course of our lives. and more often than not, the impact of these choices are not felt for months, if not years after we've made them.
i think this is something everyone learns for themselves. well...maybe not everyone, but the lucky ones do. no one can teach this. at least i don't think so.
i look back on the choices i made in my early twenties, and am amazed at how they are affecting my life just now.
i recently had a change in my role at work (for the better) that has me doing some truly exciting work. i have the distinct sense this is a unique and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. reflecting on some of the most severe challenges in my career, moments when i've wondered why the hell i was working so damn hard. this is why. these opportunites that come along when you aren't looking or expecting them, but the tiny choices made that were made years ago made it possible.
but i never forget, how quickly things can turn. last night for example, after spending the day at an off-site where i looked around the room at the people i work with review the plans for the next 1-3 years and all the exciting opportunities in front of us, and i just couldn't quite believe my good fortune.
on my way home i was stopped at a light waiting to turn left onto abbot kinney and a couple of cars were stopped waiting behind me. the third or fourth approaching car (i couldn't tell which) attempted some complicated maneuver and slammed into the cars behind me and crushed every single car in front of it.
except mine.
i'm very lucky. but i've learned, it can all change in an instant.
Posted by heidijanet at March 31, 2005 04:18 PM
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