In life, we are taught a clear moral distinction: what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, what is pure and what is evil. But how does this binary framework translate into the life decisions we make, and is there truly a right and wrong place to be in life? 

“Wrong” and “poor” choices in life are often defined by their impact on a person's happiness, health, and success. But what happens when a so-called “poor” life decision brings us face to face with a moment of clarity or an opportunity we would never have encountered otherwise? 

There have been many times when I’ve questioned the validity of where I am in life. One of those moments was when I moved across the country from a small island off Seattle to New York City. I felt like an imposter occupying a spot belonging to someone better fit for it, or who fit the criteria better than I could. I battled with the thoughts and feelings that this wasn't the place for me in life, but after tiring myself out, I realized that all I needed to do was shift my mindset.

There isn't a daily checklist I had to be filling out to decide whether “this was the right choice” or not. I stopped focusing on my past decisions and decided that everything I have done in life has brought me to this chapter of life. Stepping back from the constant worry of “right” or “wrong” has helped me focus on the present and move in a forward direction, rather than remaining at a standstill dwelling on the past.

I moved away from the idea of a “final destination” or the “last piece of the puzzle”. Taking everything in as it comes and realizing that by disregarding the initial thoughts of doubt in my life and following this new way of thinking, I am able to live without a feeling of “impending doom” looming over me if I happen to feel I made a “wrong” choice.

Every decision leads to a new door. Every outcome either brings you success or the chance to learn. Every failure is an invitation to rethink the way we operate and grow. Once I had realized that no single choice defines the status of life, I felt a pressure almost lift off of me. The pressure to know what I want in life. The pressure to be doing the right thing all the time. All of it is still there, just occupying less space in the forefront of my mind. I wanted to discover what strangers were thinking, and if this was a shared belief I could connect over. So, I went out and asked.