I like asking myself this question often. Just for fun – but this is indeed a very powerful question. I ask myself “what if” not because I am unsatisfied with my life, but because it’s like writing your own Choose-Your-Own-Adventure novel! Just think about all the multiple avenues your life could go!
I think the “what ifs” are sometimes equated with unhappiness, wishful thinking or living an unfulfilled life, but you have the power to turn those “what ifs” into something meaningful – if you want them to!
georgecouros.ca
So… what if… (and this leads to the “Would I?”, of course)
… I moved to Boston instead of New York? Would I like it better? Would I still be there?
… I crossed this street instead of that street? Would I have gotten on the train I needed? Or would I have been hit by a cab?
… I worked under my psychology degree and never went back to school for education? Would I be bored at my job?
… I invented the next app or game that everyone spends their money on? Would I be better off?
… I didn’t become a teacher? Would I have gone back to school?
… I had a kid? Would I live in New York in an apartment?
… Jill and I had gone to Greece to teach English? Would we be drinking ouzo and eating olives in Santorini right now?
… I left 5 minutes earlier this morning? Would my day be different, or the same?
… I decided to move to Paris this summer? Would I eat croissants every day?
… I went to the movies tomorrow instead of work? Well – that’s easy – I don’t have to work!
… I bought those $700 shoes? Would I actually wear them?
… I stayed up all night watching TV? Would it matter?
Hhhhhmmmm. What if… I didn’t write this post? Would you be asking yourself “what if”? Or would you even care?
Jibber Jabber & Happenstance 
Ah, the classic road not traveled.woulda,shoulda,coulda. If I made better choices I’d be in New York. With that said, I’m not ruling that out. I am the master of my ship now. 🙂
LikeLike
Yesssss!
LikeLike
I must say this is true. We could ask ourselves this of every moment – as you have pointed out. I wonder how true it is that we have but one choice and one road to live. I personally like to think I have the choice. I like to think I can change the course by my choices. Maybe that’s why my life meets obstacles for which I push through.
I think I’ll stick with writing stories of those ‘what ifs’…
LikeLike
Yesssss! You go girl!
LikeLike
What if I did not have brain aneurism stroke , and I was still able to work at the job I loved to do. I was able to drive myself and not depend on others; most of all,my soul mate was still living! I know my life would be so different ; before he; died his health had improved 100%and his death was a complete shock to everyone including the nurses and doctors! I know my what ifs I think about them every day.. I still go on and do other things… This May for 3 weeks I am enrolled in ELLA courses at the U of A from Monday to Friday. Taking 3 courses: Women and Religion;First Nations in Canada-100 Years of Progress?;Art & Architecture of N&NE Europe.Last year I did four however because I babysit my grandchildren I can not make the first time classes in the am. what if????????????I was not so sad every day.
LikeLike
Good for you for taking some interesting classes. Learning is amazing!
LikeLike