The road not taken yet…
Robert Frost wrote the classic poem "The Road Not Taken," which explores his choices and his effort to figure out which path would be in his best interest. Although unsure whether the road was the best decision, he took the time to reflect on the areas that mattered to him, regardless of the outcome. The value in making meaning from the choices we create is that it helps us learn who we are and what we are ultimately trying to become, even if it’s challenging to get there.
The road you are on may not be easy, but there is a path to take, and steps that will lead you closer to ultimately knowing the investment in your values that gave you the courage to take the initiative to put yourself in this position.
Each one of us has a unique story, and through our personal experiences, we have developed, changed, and progressed in different areas throughout each season of our lives. The choices that you make now could have looked completely different.
What values are leading you in this moment?
For many young adults, the decision-making process is challenging; constantly thinking about the consequences, the adversity, or even the triumph of being able to naivgate through their lives and trying to understand whether they are making the right decision. Even though uncertainty can cause some frustration, so many opportunities could be awaiting if appropriate decision-making is in place.
But how do your choices shape your values? What are some pieces you should be thinking about to get you to results that will provide fulfillment?
How do choices impact the nature of how you choose to make decisions?
Every decision shows which value we’re centering — whether it’s honesty, loyalty, or wisdom. Think about the values you hold close to your heart; they are the core of who you are. This is why it’s important to start examining your values now.
Repeated actions become patterns. Are we continuously stuck in the same emotional patterns that aren't allowing us to get the results we want? Do those patterns feel safe or predictable, even though they are no longer serving you the way that they need to? Process through your patterns and thinking, and explore ways to make radical changes that lead to better outcomes.
When our actions match our words, others begin to trust that our values are real. Do we mean what we say, and say what we mean? If not, what is the disconnect between the two? Our values should match our actions, and when they don't, it makes resolving situations more difficult. However, if we stand in our truth and know the values that carry us through the good and the bad, then it can serve as a moral compass to initiate an effective process.
Maybe you are going down a road not traveled, and there are so many things on your mind that you are trying to figure out how to prioritize, without getting inside your head too much and overwhelming yourself. Even if you are an all-or-nothing thinker, I encourage you to see the in-between to your choices; provide yourself with three outcomes based on your interpretation of the situation, and thoroughly assess which one suits you best.
Think about all the factors, and break down the components to see which values are being put to the test and whether those values are conducive to you reaching a place meant for you.
Reflect upon the two roads in your life, which one are you ready to travel?
