This past Spring, I made the biggest decision of my life. However, I don’t really consider it a big decision. It was more like a series of decisions that led to an outcome.

In exactly one month, I will be moving across the Atlantic Ocean to London. Not really moving there, though, just studying abroad for 3 months. I know that hundreds of students study abroad every semester, but I never thought I would be one of them.

I fell into the category of people who Facebook stalked friends who were abroad, wishing that was my life.

My parents would say no, the financial burden would be too much, I would miss my friends, I have a life that I love, it’s dangerous, I wouldn’t be able to graduate on time, etc. All of these negative thoughts led to no action on my part.

However, one night, I though to myself, “what if“. A simple “what if” would change my academic career and entire life going forward. I stopped planning for next semester in Milledgeville, GA and started dreaming about it being in London. In this way, I never decided that I would go.

I simply decided that I wouldn’t not go.

I put down the $200 deposit, thinking that it would buy me more time to make my decision. I met with the Study Abroad office to get more information. I asked my teachers if the credits would transfer. Looking back, not once did I decide to take the leap.

It was a series of smaller decisions that changed my reality.

Stressing about a decision, weighing pros and cons, asking for advice, etc. can only get so far. After a while, you must embrace the unknown and let your subconscious mind take over. It is in your daydreams and nightmares that reveal your true, desired fate.

 

Keep moving Fourward,

Ash