If you believed nothing you said would be considered wrong, what would the answer be?

We make decisions amidst the context of our lives.

We calculate but not like math in school. Our environment and available resources are the base. The impact on our families and finances is divided, then squared. We imagine Venn diagrams comparing possible future outcomes.

And, of course, what other people will think is always a variable in the formula somewhere.

Our final answers are never cleanly copied over after working it out on scrap paper. There is always more to it.

I like to think that my decisions are rational and fact-based, but the truth is that they’re heavily influenced by conditions, perceptions, and assumptions.

For example, I’m probably due for a new car. Mine is 12 years old. While it runs fine and is safe enough, the outside is scuffed and scratched. On hot days I have to drive with the sunroof open and the air blasting because it reeks of stale coffee, muddy dogs, and crushed Goldfish crackers. It doesn’t have any fancy features to play music. It’s become the final resting place for the last 6 CDs we own- 5 of which are toddler tunes.

While those are probably compelling-enough reasons, I love not having a car payment and it reliably starts up. Plus, I’d have to clean out my trunk which would be a major pain.

Those are the facts, but the overriding truth is that I don’t yet feel embarrassed driving it (and I’ve driven some embarrassing cars that choke and cough every time you turn the key.) The second I am, I can guarantee I’ll be down at the lot. Until then, I’m holding out a bit longer.

I got a bit sidetracked there, sorry. The point is this.

Considering what other people will think isn’t wrong- but it’s important to be aware of how those assumptions impact us and our choices.

Sometimes that impact is more significant than we’re willing to admit to ourselves. We like to think we make independent, rational choices but it’s rarely the case. The risk is that we start shaping our lives to please an imagined response in others- and get further from ourselves.

So before writing answer today’s journal prompt*, think about a decision you’re facing.

If you believed nothing you said would be considered wrong, what would the answer be?

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO DEFEND OR EXPLAIN YOUR DECISIONS TO ANYONE. IT’S YOUR LIFE. LIVE IT WITHOUT APOLOGIES.” - UNKNOWN

*A journal prompt is simply a question to consider when you want to pause and reflect. It’s fascinating to see what comes out on the page. In writing for yourself, there are no rules, no special notebooks needed, or minimal time required. Do only what works for you.