The life we live today is the ultimate consequence of our past decisions. It’s a fundamental truth I’ve embraced, and one that has led me to a state of contentment and satisfaction. My guiding star, the unwavering compass for nearly every life-affecting moment, has always been personal happiness and well-being.

This isn’t selfishness; it’s pragmatism. It mirrors the familiar, crucial advice from an aircraft security briefing: Secure your own oxygen mask first before assisting others. Only when you are centered and well can you truly be an effective, positive force in the world.

I am happy today, and I am genuinely happy with the choices I’ve made. Why? Because I didn’t stumble here. My journey has been intentionally mapped. I believe strongly in the power of having a clear goal; a destination. Much like using a navigation app, setting a goal makes the path efficient and direct, preventing the frustrating detours of being “unsure of the destination”.

My decision-making process is, at its core, pragmatic. I approach life choices with a clear-eyed view, always aiming for the outcome that optimizes my well-being.

The One Adjustment

Would I go back and change anything? Not truly. Every choice, even the perceived mistakes, contributed to the person I am. However, if pressed to name one thing, it would be to prioritize physical well-being earlier: establishing a healthy regime, diet, and exercise plan. I am still, even now, waiting for that proverbial “tomorrow” to start eating healthier and following a fitness routine. The mind is happy, but the body is still waiting for its intentional map.

A Message to My Younger Self: Live the Moment

If I could speak to my younger self, the advice would be simple, profound, and easy to forget: Be present fully. Live the moment.

The future is uncertain, and so much of life is beyond our control; life happens. You have a choice in how you react to this reality. You can spend your energy worrying about things you cannot change, knowing life happens anyway, or you can choose to stop worrying, knowing that life happens nevertheless, and ultimately, everything happens for good.

Choose the latter. Trust the path, stay focused on your personal well-being, and enjoy the journey you are intentionally charting.