decisions

[mckitterick]

I just finished reading a fantastic novel-nominee for the Campbell Award (that would be Glasshouse by Charles Stross, a far-future novel set in the universe he invented for the near-future Accelerando), and it really got me thinking. One thing in particular was about decisions. I'm putting these thoughts here as much for myself as to share with you.

We all know that decisions can be difficult. Some decisions feel literally impossible to make, because once we make a decision, we have to live with the consequences. Some consequences feel unbearable. Can you live with the consequences? That's how to make informed decisions.

Some times the consequences of making a decision one way or the other both feel unbearable. However, simply not deciding does not simplify things, because there are consequences to not making a decision, too. I guess one could both avoid making a tough decision while also avoiding considering the consequences, but that won't stop you from having to live with the fallout or blessings, because you might end up living with other consequences, and those are often unforseeable. It's just a way of living one's life without having to take responsibility for how things turn out. I guess this is how people who cause themselves great harm to their health, both emotional and physical, get to the point of damaging themselves: They don't consider or face consequences.

I'm sure many of you are saying, "Why make such a big deal about this? It's not such a profound thought." Well, good! That means this stuff is easy for you, and I bet that helps a lot in life.

Anyhow. Here's hoping your decisions lead to happiness and health.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

And sometimes not changing is itself a change. A friendship where you've been meeting at the same restaurant for lunch the same day of the week every week for the last ten years is a very different friendship from the one where you've been doing it for the last ten weeks.

[kylielee1000.livejournal.com]

For some reason this post is just LADEN with subtext. I'm reading into it. Doing my best to stop!

I tend to ponder huge decisions way too much, far more than the little ones, like, "What restaurant would be good?" But when it comes to the big ones, like, "Should I leave my husband for a job in another state?" are endlessly fraught. (And no, I decided against it.)

Good luck, and Stross? I'll have to check it out.

Wow

[gregpeteler.livejournal.com]

So. Wow. Um, huh. Rendered me speechless. Somehow this is right where I am at as well. Brilliant thought me bro.

[blzblack.livejournal.com]

Simply not deciding is the worst solution--at least if you're depressed. But often the depressed can be too mortified to move, which (to bring in my last post) is why someone would need drugs at that point.

Unless the problem is cognitive, as it was in my case.

I use "was" intentionally. I'm believing by faith that it is gone. We'll see.

I'm curious what brought these thoughts on.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

Not deciding is most definitely a choice in and of itself and it bears as much responsibility as any active choice between options.


D.

[cba1282zyx.livejournal.com]

In regards to the part about why should you make a big deal. I feel like decision really should be no big deal, but it says alot about the decisions I've had to make in my life. I've obviously had to make hard decisions, but the consequences only have affected me so far. Rarely do I have to take other people (close to me) into consideration, of course that is until recently.