{photo courtesy of simonsterg.}

dear apricot,

I am a strong, logical, independent 21 year old but lately I have been doubting my decision making skills. I have been faced with what I would consider difficult decisions since I was 17. I have never regretted anything I have chosen to do, but now I’m looking back and seeing my life would be a lot easier had I not chosen the way I have.

When faced with a decision I think both sides through, plan for both so I have the other option if I change my mind last minute, and ultimately choose the path I might have regretted not choosing. Society, my parents, & friends often think I made a bad decision, but I did what was right for me. Now having heard for years that I’m not doing things right has got me second guessing if they are right. Is there a right and wrong path? How can I know if I’m wrong or just unconventional? How should one approach making hard or life changing decisions?

— Cynthia

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Cynthia,

What you need to know is that no matter what decision you make, it is the “right” one because YOU made it. You used your own judgment to come to a conclusion that you felt was best for you… & because of that, you made the “right” decision. Understand that what’s right for you may not be right for other people, which is why your parents & friends might be giving you such a hard time. (& they do this because they love you, & they want you to be happy. I’m sure their intentions aren’t to deter you from your own personal dreams.)

Regardless of what anyone else has to say… be confident in the decisions you make. You sound like a very smart girl with a good head on your shoulders. Don’t think about this so hard! Continue to use your heart & intuition for all the choices you make. You’ll never go wrong.

Also, try not to look back & regret the past decisions you’ve made in the past. What’s done is done & chances are, the decisions you’ve made back then have brought you to be the strong, intelligent person you are today. Your life might have been easier had you chosen a different path, but personal growth doesn’t take place through easiness. It’s through hard times that your character is strengthened. Always remember that.

— apricot.