“Have you ever thought that if one thing hadn’t happened, a whole set of things never would’ve either? Like dominoes; a single event kicked off an unstoppable series of changes that gained momentum and spun out of control, and nothing was ever the same again. Don’t ever doubt that a mere second can change your life forever.”

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about these words lately; for over a month actually. It’s amazing how much time we can spend thinking about something, when it weighs so heavily on our conscious, dreams, life decisions etc. Have you ever stopped for a second and thought about the moment you’re in? How did you get there? Who are the people around you and where did they come in to your life? Was it a quick decision that got you to where you are right now, or was it a series of events that lead your there?

What makes me think a lot about this lately are some decisions I’ve made and how I am able to see the opposite outcome if I was to have chosen another path. An example would be my schooling… I was down to the wire between Penn State and another school when perusing my undergraduate degree. Based on a single conversation with a good friend I respected and looked up to, I chose Penn State for the amazing things the university has to offer. From that, I gained life long best friends, began my community outreach as a young adult, found my love for Penn State football and culture and so many other things. I don’t regret my decision to go to Penn State for a second, but have thought about what my life would have been like if I didn’t go there. The key significant life changers, heavy decisions, amazing moments, gained and lost friendships… What my life would be like if those things hadn’t happened… And wondering what my life would have been like if I was somewhere else.

The toughest part about decision making and single moments, is the uncertainty. Many tough decisions are like jumping without a safety net. “What if I chose this and don’t like it? What if I regret not going the other way? What if I’m unhappy with my decision?” This is the aspect that gets me the most. The type of person I am, I like to be in control of situations and am completely accountable to my own decisions- the idea of free fall and the uncertainty of it, scares me.

Is anyone else like that?

While new-ness and different journeys can be exciting, I don’t blame anyone for feeling like it’s scary,too. I think what I’ve been thinking most about this lately is that decisions and moments we create that have significant impact should in fact not be perceived as scary, but rather, brave.

The truth is, every decision we make is a gamble. The uncertainty will be there, our insecurities may surface and there might just be a time or two when we realize we should have chosen the other route– and that’s okay. The bravest of people are able to take life as it comes, learn along the way and changes paths when needed. No decision, or moment, no matter how big, can’t be changed. Be confident in your decisions, trust that you’re exactly where you should be and appreciate the moments. It’s these moments that dictate our memories and allow to learn and grow.

To the moments… ♡

-Aurora ✨