The Roads Not Taken and the Peace We Find

Life is full of crossroads. Moments where a single decision changes everything. Looking back, you may sometimes wonder—What if I had chosen differently?

Perhaps you followed logic instead of your heart, or circumstances pushed you in a direction that didn’t feel right at the time. And now, in hindsight, you wonder if it was a mistake. But before regret takes hold, consider this: that choice may have saved you from becoming someone you wouldn’t have liked.

We often idealize the paths we didn’t take, imagining them as the perfect alternative. But reality is rarely that simple. Every road has its struggles, and the version of yourself on that “other” path might not be any happier than the one you are today.

As we grow older, what matters most is not the hypothetical “what could have been,” but the peace of mind in knowing we stayed true to ourselves. It’s not about chasing every missed opportunity—it’s about preserving who we have always been and embracing what we have truly loved.

So, if you ever find yourself doubting your past decisions, remember: maybe they weren’t mistakes after all. Maybe they were just the steps that led you to the truest version of yourself. And in the end, that is the greatest gift of all.