John Malvino Alfonso
#When elections are held, there is often a lot of noise and commotion. Each political party, weighing the potential of their candidate to win, selects the one they believe is most deserving of the ticket. Meanwhile, some independent groups face difficulty in choosing candidates to represent them. With the best intentions for the well-being of Goa, they raise slogans such as, “The election we held was wrong, our choice was wrong, and we do not want to repeat the same mistake in the future.”
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#When we go to the market, we don’t just buy whatever is available. We are careful and prudent in selecting goods. We avoid low-quality products, even if they are cheap. If someone pressures us to buy fast-selling items, we refuse.
Both of these examples illustrate how we make choices. In the first, the electoral process seems strange. We fail to see lasting benefits from it. In the second, however, we choose based on long-term well-being. Here, we not only consider our own benefit but also the good of those around us. We are not swayed by pressure. Ultimately, we select what is best for us, on our own terms, when we want it. We often desire immediate results from elections, which is an unusual expectation.
Every moment of our lives involves making choices. These decisions, however, can be made either consciously or unconsciously. The dilemma lies in knowing what to choose and when to choose it. Each of us carries responsibilities, and we must act in alignment with them.
Cheryl, the only daughter of her parents, dreamed of becoming a fashion designer but enrolled in college because her peers did. She didn’t prioritize her education, and college wasn’t the right path for her. Lacking support at home, she failed to meet her responsibilities. Similarly, a teacher who chooses their profession is rewarded for their commitment. Likewise, If we are parents but neglect our responsibilities just because ‘everyone else is doing it’ or prioritize personal desires over obligations, isn’t that the wrong choice? We must carefully consider our responsibilities when making decisions.
We must all say ‘yes’ to the calling of our current life stage. Wouldn’t it be wise if we remembered our responsibilities when we say ‘yes’? We cannot change the stage of life we are in because we have responsibilities to uphold. What we choose, when we choose it, and under what circumstances—these factors are significant.
Despite this, numerous obstacles stand in the way of making the right choices in life. Our immature behaviours often haunt us. We sometimes feel tempted by the world’s distractions. We do not always know the right course of action or when to take it. At times, contradictory thoughts creep into our decision-making. When making choices, our circumstances often become a barrier. The influence of others, our friendships, and the well-being of those around us all shape our circumstances. At these moments, we may adopt a compromising attitude, which prevents us from making the right choice.
If you choose the right path in life, it is good to live a life that is suitable for humanity. We must take responsibility for guiding our lives, rather than letting them drift aimlessly and making them difficult or unpleasant. Our choices shape our future and determine our true fulfilment.
