Being in a philosophical mood, I thought I'd write about "choices". I have no particular reason for doing this.

I was reading a book where the issue of "fatalism" was mentioned. Many people, especially those religiously bent, believe our lives are written out for us. You hear "it was meant to be", like everything that happens is predetermined.

Well, I don't happen to subscribe to that idea. In fact, I think it's absurd.

I believe our whole life revolves around choices (and decisions). From the moment one awakes--what clothes to wear, what to eat, what to do next--we make choices.
(I don't think we have choices in what we dream, however.)

Most choices we make are simple and mundane, concerning daily activities. I suppose they reflect our personalities, our likes and dislikes, our desires for happiness and contentment. We gain satisfaction from the decisions we make, assuming they turn out well.

Choices can be deep and complex: College? Marriage? Career? Retirement? These are life-altering decisions-- the real biggies.

And then, there are the "in-between" choices. Where to vacation; to date or remain "solitaire"; buy a new car? These are not simple decisions, nor are they majorly major.

Choices may not apply regarding our "moods". We can't always choose to be happy (as "put on a happy face"). Neither can we avoid sadness or depression. Other emotions, such as excitement, anxiety, love and hate, usually occur spontaneously, with no decisions involved. They simply are.

It's good we're free to make choices (and to change our minds). Sure, we make mistakes. But they're our mistakes--
from which we can learn, if we're wise enough.