“Yida, go outside and run!” I guess my mother didn’t want me to be out of shape. So I ran. Running up the never-ending hill towards my house was the worst. I sympathized with my lungs, longing for oxygen, and felt my thighs aching in pain. The only thing preventing my frail body from collapsing into the black asphalt was the wind brushing against my face. If I stopped, I would never get better. I kept running. I made a choice.
Choices, millions make them every day. Every choice a person makes adds up. The sum is that person’s own character. A choice is simple, yet hard to make. Choosing is a skill everyone can master. Choice is free will, distinction, and most importantly, determination. I believe choices, big or small, are important and affect people’s futures. I used to take every choice I made for granted. Choices weren’t important. I never thought too much about them. Until now.
I want to take control of my choices. I want to take control of my life. One day I hope to lift my choices out of the ocean of unconsciousness and into the light of consciousness and freedom. And as the old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.”
Every morning, my glass coma of sleep is shattered by the reverberating squeal of my yellow, Sony alarm clock. Some days I have nightmares. Some days I have dreams. Every day I have trouble getting out of bed at 7:00 AM. To help me through trying times, I peer into a crystal ball and see the consequences of my choices. I would never see my friends if I stay in bed. I make the choice and crawl out of my nest. For the agonizing choices in life, a little motivation is all one needs.
My fate, seemingly uncontrollable, is governed by one person alone, me. It is the choices I make that determine my future and build my character. As a sculptor and executioner, I blame myself for the regretful choices I make. As a sculptor, I can chip away and smooth out the ridges and faults from the work of art we call life, as long as I still have stone left. Choices govern my life. Choices change my world. Choices affect my friends. A choice I make fades away. The consequences, I will never forget.