What's the Best Decision You've Ever Made?
It’s great to have choices — except when you feel incapable of making them. On a daily basis, you probably face hundreds of decisions, some easy (skim or 2 percent?), some not so (second mortgage or home-equity line of credit?). Making them can be hard work — but when you make the right one, it's so rewarding.
Is there a decision you've made that you’re especially proud of? Share it by posting a comment, below.
Comments
At 41, I decided that I wanted to make changes in my life, that I didn't want to live the rest of my life with the insecurities and depression that had plagued me all of my life.
I have been working on making small changes, such as stopping myself when I feel panic coming over me and making myself act/react opposite of what I had in the past.
It's been a long hard road for the last 2 years, however, it is getting easier to stand up for myself and to trust my own opinions. It's still difficult at times, but I have started to feel much better about myself and I try to see the joy in life and to let the disappointments go. I've come to realize that the criticisms of my father aren't really indicative of who I am.
The more I work at it, the easier it seems to get. Not only is this the best decision I've ever made, but it's probably the only decision I've ever made on my own.
Kicking my husband out. Not because we got a divorce but because we stayed together. His alcoholic life was spiraling downward, bringing me and my two young children with it. Taking a stand and saying ENOUGH gave me strength and him clarity. He got help. I got help. And I'm now more in love with his sober self then I could ever imagine.
The best decision I ever made was to go to college even though I'd been brought up with the idea that I wasn't smart enough, that it took a lot of money, that my brothers deserved the honor of going (not the girls!) College taught me to think for myself and stand up for myself so I left my abusive husband. I won scholarships the whole way through because I was smart enough. In fact, I finished grad school as suma cum laud. I am a different person now than I would have been and the better for having gone.
Having cosmetic eyeliner tattooed on! Huge time-save and great during allergy season.
The best decision I ever made was marrying my husband Jathan. He is the sweetest, kindest, cutest, most loving person I have ever known and truly a gift from God!
I made the decision to give up a leading role in an original play (being produced in Los Angeles), to spend the summer getting to know and taking care of my 3 grandchildren while their single-mom (my daughter) worked at her new job. As an EXTRA bonus, my son flew out to see us and for the first time in 12 years, my two children and I were together under the same roof. Getting to know my grandchildren, reconnecting with my daughter and then being able to hug both of my children at the same time proved to me that I couldn't have made a better decision - it was the highlight of my year - maybe my life. (The play went on to critical acclaim without me!)
Leaving my ex-husband!
One of the best decisions I ever made was getting my son a cochlear implant after his hearing aids failed to provide him with any benefit. It was major, controversial surgery, but he now hears like you and I do, and is in a regular 4th grade class. He plays sports and has friends, and can do anything he wants without us, because he can hear! We are so blessed to be living at this time in history!
One of the best decisions I ever made was getting my son a cochlear implant after his hearing aids failed to provide him with any benefit. It was major, controversial surgery, but he now hears like you and I do, and is in a regular 4th grade class. He plays sports and has friends, and can do anything he wants without us, because he can hear! We are so blessed to be living at this time in history!
After nearly 15 years in the same job, I took a new position. While it was not exactly what I wanted, I felt I had to get out of the same old office that was being filled with toxic people. Everyone there was unhappy and looking for new positions. Well, my new job is wonderful. It is filled with challenges that, while initially off-putting, have reminded me that I have a brain and I need to use it. It's nice to feel wanted and alive again.
The best decision I ever made was leaving Corporate America and going back to school to become an elementary school teacher.
My husband and I had finally decided to buy our first home (we had been renting for years), and just as we were getting ready to close on our home, I found out my position with a company was going to terminate. Everyone said that we should not buy the home with the impending financial uncertainty, but we knew that purchasing versus renting would be life changing, so we proceeded with our plan. Within 2 months, I had a new job and all the benefits of owning a home. It would have been much harder to qualify for that loan with having started a new job since one of the qualifiers is your length of employment. Also, having just purchased a home was a strong motivator to get a job!
We have all done it- seen a gorgeous person and not stopped to say something, only to regret it later. While at my Target one day, I saw an oh-so-gorgeous man and decided I was going to talk to him. It ended up that I followed him up the escalator, into the mens' department , tapped him on the shoulder and said "I don't know what your situation is, if you're seeing someone or not, but I'd like you to have this" and gave him my business card. He called; we had the best first date ever, moved in together after nine months, and have now been blissful for a total of 16 months!
Going to graduate school. I realized that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life at my current job, so I got everything together and applied. I ended up moving 1500 miles, from New Hampshire to South Dakota not knowing anybody here, but it was well worth it. I'm in my second year of getting my PhD and I couldn't be happier. I own my own house, I have a fantastic group of friends, and I love my research. What else do I need?
When first found out I was pregnant was about the same time me and my boyfriend broke up. I wasn't going to keep the baby. Well I did and it was the best decision ever. I have the most beautiful daughter in the world. She has made me a better person. I am now more thoughtful,patient, and loving. It has made my relationships with everyone in my life better. I can't imangine what life would be like without her.
When I was still in high school I was crazy in love with a boy who wanted me to drop out of school and marry him. I asked my father how to make a decision that would affect my entire future (but of course I would not tell him what it was), He thought a minute then told me he always believed that he should not be doing something if he had any doubts about it. I have followed that advise all my life and it never got me in trouble. All my important decisions have been good ones.
My best decision was to have gastric bypass surgery. I am stronger and healthier. I am happy. And that is the best, to be happy with oneself.
My best decision was to have gastric bypass surgery. I am stronger and healthier. I am happy. And that is the best, to be happy with oneself.
Investing in a 401(k) at age 23.
In 2001 I made a decision to move to Maui, Hawaii. Packed up my house, rented it out, packed two suitcases and left with the idea if it did not work out it was an adventure. People thought I'd be back. 7 years later, a great Real Estate career, and no regrets! Aloha :)
When my husband and I decided to have a 3rd child. We knew we'd never regret it once that baby arrived!
Finally going back to school (afater buying a house) and getting my BA in Math when I was almost 39. It opened up many more opportunities for me.
(I rented out rooms in the house so I could afford to work 1/2 time & go to school.)
After he'd waited patiently for 6 1/2 years for me to find the courage to marry again, I called my now husband on a Wednesday and asked if he'd like to get married that Saturday... nearly 27 years ago. Best decision I ever made and one I'm thankful he waited for!
Marring my husband over 50 years ago was the smartist thing I ever did. He was and is a wonderful husband, father plus many more other things. He served in the Air Force for 23 years and 19 years as a Fire Chief. Now we are very active in our church.
I have 2 - Number One is the day I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my Life, and Number Two is the day I married my wonderful husband almost 20 years ago, and we are more in love now than we ever were, That's what happens when you live your life for God and the way He leads you..Everyone should try it!
I set a goal of 5 years to recover from my divorce. 3 months short of 5 years, I was offered an opportunity to live in Japan. I packed my things (and 2 children 12 and 14) and the 3 of us spent 4 years in Japan. The best decision I ever made.
In the year's time between retiring from a fabulous career on the East Coast and relocating to the West, I drove the entire USA alone. I sold my house, put my household goods in storage, packed my car to the rafters, and enjoyed a sense of freedom that my never happen again. I took lots of photos and wrote on my brand new laptop of my travels in the quiet even,
The best decision I've ever made was to leave my previous 6-figure salary to work for a non-profit children's organization that I have volunteered with for 10 years. I was always stressed and knew I wanted to leave. But being single with a mortgage made it very scary. I started my savings/debt free plan in January, went on the company trip to Rivera Maya in May, and 9 days after the trip I resigned. To this day, I am still friends with my former bosses and co-workers, but don't regret the career change one bit (even though my year-end bonuses were larger than my current annual salary!).
The best decision I've ever made is to ask Jesus into my life and allow Him to be Lord!
The best decision I ever made was NOT to go to The Netherlands to meet a man I met on-line. It was around the same time I met my current husband.
He told me "I don't do casual, and I won't be here when you get back."
Needless to say, I didn't go to the Netherlands, and I am still happily married, with three beautiful boys, almost 7 years later!
Taking my baby & whatever we could fit in my car, and escaping from my abusive, drug-addicted, psychotic boyfriend, who is the father of my child. Driving across the country to safety, sanity and freedom - and then spending 3 years and thousands of dollars to get sole custody of my child, to keep us both safe & sane & free.
We're happy, healthy & thriving - moving on with our life. No regrets!
Not to go to the river boat gambling
To follow my heart at 19, give up a scholarship abroad, and then get married at 23 to a man eleven years older than me. We're still deeply in love and fabulously happy together, with two kids and a third on the way. To know and live with love, and forget about what others told me about the "right" way to live my life, was the best decision I ever made!
To have a baby. I have never been as happy as I am right now. I have been saying that since the day I found out I was pregnant.
I have two: buying my home and not getting married!
To leave a full-time career to be a full-time mom and work from home. Everyday, I am thankful to be able to be there for my family. I love working from home and not having to commute or answer to anyone but me and my 3 kids! They are tough bosses but they are great. It was the best thing I could have ever done. There is no raise or A's but the reward of knowing that you experienced the thrill of the ride.
It goes so quickly!
Moving from upstate NY to Las Vegas. My then-fiance and I got married within three months, skipped the honeymoon, and drove cross-country for better job opportunities and warmer weather. My career took off when I found my dream job, and the hubby has gotten to try a number of professions he never thought he'd be able to!
To have my baby.
The best decision I ever made was to leave my abusive husband. It took great strength and bravery because my family was against divorce. I am glad that I left that man and am fortunate that I did not have children with him. I did not know until after our marriage that his father was abusive as well. I am a different person but truly mourn the girl I was before his abuse.