Unanswered Questions of Life

In life, we are faced with many emotional and psychological questions. We can ask ourselves why certain things happen the way they do, or why certain people react the way they do. There is no definitive answer to such complex questions, or at least none that we can make sense of. We are left with only the questions, unanswered and shrouded with a layer of mystery that will never be penetrated.

This becomes even more pronounced when you enter adulthood. You are thrust into a world of possibilities, of choice, of opportunity. Decisions made in the present can have serious lasting implications, while decisions not made can also shape your path in unforeseen ways. With all these possibilities, how can any person make rational and sensible choices? The ordeal is so overwhelming that it can make you feel paralyzed, forcing you to second guess every small detail.

This is the tumultuous emotion that the original poster feels. They have been presented with multiple options that are all seemingly good. But each option has its own set of pros and cons, making it difficult to pick out which one to pursue. It is a natural feeling to wrestle with these types of dilemmas, where we are scared to make the wrong decision. As philosopher Alan Watts famously said, “No one is ever secure; the only security lies in having sufficient knowledge and understanding to handle any situation as it arises.”

With this understanding in mind, it is important not to be overwhelmed by the question itself. Instead, focus on generating solutions. To begin this process, it is critical to understand your feelings and how they will influence your decisions. Take time to evaluate each option seriously, pinpointing their positive and negative points. Then, take yet another step back and consider how each option could simplify some parts of your life and complicate other aspects. There is no single ‘right’ answer to these questions, so consider not just whether your decisions are good or bad, but also if they fit your life.

Once you arrive at this stage, ask yourself one final question: Am I doing this because it is truly what I want for myself or someone/something else? It is easy to become clouded in the decision-making progress, and end up making a choice based on the expectations of others, rather than what you actually desire for yourself and your future. Only after taking account of this should you make your decisions.

Life is unmistakably complex and challenging. The decisions that you make whilst living it can define who you become. Thus, it is important to make sure that you are considering all your options as objectively as you can. Don’t be paralyzed by the unknown. Have faith in your own convictions and trust your ability to decide which option is the best for you. Remember, this is your journey and you are allowed to make experiments, accept the consequences and be who you want to be. following your heart and putting your best effort forward is never wrong.

Good luck.