Every person in this world wants to live his unique life in his own terms. Every person has a set of tailored goals. Among several universal experiences that people share all over the world, the most common one is the liberty to make a choice.

Life is made up of choices. Life is a result of the series of decisions we make. The process of choosing usually consists of a multitude of possibilities that one needs to recognise and act upon. Every decision, every choice we make is capable of changing our lives forever. Every choice comes with its butterfly effect.  One can predict the result but never be absolutely sure about it. That is probably why the decision-making process seems so daunting.

When making choice, one must be aware of how it will affect their lives ahead. Of course there are different types of choices; some are easy to make, while others are more difficult. For instance, an inconsequential choice is easy, such as if I should buy that new piece of clothing. But consequential choices are more difficult.

Decision making is an exhausting process; it demands a lot of time and energy.  We often hesitate to make a tough decision because we want to stay safe. We often hold back from changing our route or taking a leap because we think we’re better off where we are instead of delving into the unknown. When it is time to make a decision, many can be found anxious and confused.

Many say that we have no control over our world or what happens to us. You cannot control the world, but you can certainly control how you choose to react to various situations around you and how you will handle them.

So how can you be reassured that you have made the right choice, especially when it affects a major aspect of your life? Well, I am a firm believer that humans have various destiny points we must live through in this lifetime, but we also have “free will” and can choose how we will live through the situation at hand. For instance, before making a knee-jerk reaction and judging someone, you can take a moment and attempt to understand why this person is behaving a certain way, and you then may choose to react to the situation in a healthier, constructive way and demonstrate some compassion.

The more one knows about themselves and their place in the world, the easier the making choice is.

Before making any major choice in life, I give myself the time to sit and contemplate. I bring myself into a meditative state and bring myself into the stillness of the silence. It is in that silence that one communicates with their soul’s needs and understandings.

Just by putting forth the question to our higher self while in mediation, you will receive a clear indication what is right for you and in alignment to your highest good.

Always remember and bear in mind that life is a series of choices, and most choices are based on two things: love or fear. If you are able to make the decisions based on love, you are likely to be happy and content. Love what you do and do what you love. Make choices in your life that will make your soul sing.

Ghimire is an undergraduate at Prithivi Narayan Campus, Pokhara