Choices Have Consequences
The phrase 'choices have consequences' has echoed through my mind since the day I became a mother. Before that, I often reflected on how my decisions shaped my life, or how the choices of others influenced my path. But with motherhood, this awareness has become louder, intensified by the massive responsibility of nurturing a life and the deep desire to do my best. There are moments when the pressure feels overwhelming, knocking the wind right out of me, leading me to strive for perfection—a pursuit that inevitably leads to a dead end.
Over the course of my life, I’ve come to realize that my decisions may not always make sense to others—or even to myself—and that’s okay. Understanding that I have the power to direct my life through my choices is both empowering and, at times, overwhelming. The weight of self-responsibility becomes more pronounced. Every choice feels significant, and I strive to make them consciously, guided by a vision for the future that pulls me forward.
But when I talk about choices having consequences, I’m not just referring to the outward, obvious choices we make.
I’m also talking about the internal choices—how we choose to speak to ourselves, what we allow ourselves to feel, and even the beliefs we choose to hold onto or release. For instance, choosing to be compassionate with ourselves rather than critical can shift our entire being. Deciding to embrace our emotions instead of suppressing them can open pathways to healing. Even the choice to let go of limiting beliefs or reframe unhelpful thoughts can have powerful consequences on our overall well-being and direction in life.
While some consequences are immediate and clear, many take months, years, or even decades to fully reveal themselves.
This is why choosing what’s right in the moment, rather than what’s easy, feels so important. By using our intuition to feel into decisions instead of allowing the unconscious mind to dictate our actions, we set ourselves on a path that aligns with our true desires and long-term growth. Trusting this process, even when the results aren't immediately visible, feels like one of the keys to living a life that feels authentic and intentional.
Are You Actively Choosing Your Life, or Is Life Choosing for You?
When fear, unconscious beliefs, and old patterns are in control, it’s easy to feel like a victim of circumstances. But when I trust my intuition to guide me in making decisions that feel right, the outcomes have been favorable. That doesn’t mean the path is always comfortable—far from it. Consciously choosing what feels right often brings discomfort, challenging conversations, and a whole lot of letting go. This is where self-trust becomes essential. When I listen to my intuition and take the next best step, things begin to shift naturally, aligning more, and as a consequence, my vision and trust within myself expand.
Choosing Between the "Easy" Path and the "Right" Path
I’ve noticed that when I choose the "easy" path instead of the "right" one, I can feel it. It doesn’t sit well. This isn’t to say I always choose what’s right, but I’m aware when I’m opting for the easier route. And with that awareness, I check in with myself:
What Led Me to Choose Easy? Why Didn’t I Choose Right?
You might wonder, what do I mean by “easy” vs. “right”? This practice, which I developed out of necessity during the fragile time of COVID, has become a key part of my daily rituals. When I say “right,” I mean what is right for me, in authenticity with where I am and where I want to go. Does this choice honor my values? Am I facing what I need to evolve, grow, and move closer to my heart's desires? Or am I leaning into “easy”—falling back on unconscious patterns that keep me stuck, reinforcing what I’m trying to move away from?
The beautiful thing is, the more I choose what’s right, the easier it becomes. It’s like a filtration system for choices, guiding me toward a life that feels meaningful and on purpose. This practice is part of what I share through my Simple Shifts Rituals For Change Daily Card Deck, particularly the "Right vs Easy" card, which has been a powerful tool in my journey.
If you’re interested in exploring this practice further, you can find more about it and my daily card deck here.
Choosing mindfully and listening to our intuition helps us create a life that aligns with what matters most.