Choices are the decisions that we make every day, every moment, big or small, that shape our lives and experiences. These significant choices help us to reflect our goals, desires, and values. Some say we don’t have any control over our life and future, but the truth is that our future lies within the choices we make. And we are the ones who control them.

Like they say, “You got brains, learn how to use that but wisely.”

But we all make mistakes when making decisions, and later, we deal with the guilt and let the guilt eat at us. I have always struggled with that one question my entire life: which one should I listen to? My heart? Or my brain? Both think completely differently from each other.

While my brain thinks more rationally, avoiding any emotions to get within, my heart wants something completely different. And when I try to avoid it, the guilt hits me hard. I am often confused with what I want, and it leaves a strain on me. It leads me to overthink repeatedly and makes it extremely hard for me to decide anything. The trust, anger, and emotions make me indecisive.

We are not robots to be able to think rationally every time, every moment. We are blessed with our emotions. Learn how to use that appropriately, and no, it doesn’t always show it whenever it’s not necessary. But it is important to recognize the difference. We are humans, and we are bound to make mistakes, and when we do, it is crucial to acknowledge what we learn from them. Surely, it will cause us to cause unbearable pain sometimes and make us lose things that were once regarded as the most valuable things to us. However, when we lose things, we gain things, too, and that’s the key.

Now, how I deal with my choices whenever I am confused is that I prefer my intuitions to take over. Sometimes, we already know what we truly want, but our mindset makes us ignore them no matter how hard they may be. Just remember your heart knows what you truly want. God has given us both hearts and brains, which regulate our emotions and logical thinking only to differentiate between what’s right and wrong. We make mistakes, and it is completely okay. Most importantly, what we learn from them and how we react are what truly matter the most.

It is bound to remember to never negotiate with your feelings because they truly know what you want and what is right. Negotiating will only lead you to make poor choices, which later will cause more pain. Try to view with an open perspective. Though sometimes it’s hard, taking a step back and rethinking rather than rushing into one might be wiser to go with.

Your journey is in your hands.

This was written by our contributing writer, Atia Sanjida.