Choice vs. Chance

When we’re born, we get our janam kundalis made to see what lays ahead of us. Before we get married, we get them matched with our partner’s to ascertain our compatibilities. When we see the horoscopes section in magazines, we quickly scan to find our zodiac sign. If we rely on the stars, the planets, and these so-called fortune tellers, why do we even bother making any life altering decisions at all? If what’s meant to be will happen despite your earnest efforts to change the course of destiny, is it really worth making a choice when you can leave it to chance?

We all tell ourselves, “everything happens for a reason,” to make light out of a situation – most often not knowing what that reason is. I got a speeding ticket a few months back. Reason: the cop wanted to fill his quota (that’s of course debatable by court). The perfect job slipped out of my fingers. Reason: my dream job awaits me (that’s the optimist in me talking). I got burnt by a douchebag. Reason: a dog deserves a bitch, hence, he clearly didn’t deserve to be with me.

But I chose to speed. I chose to accept that job. I chose to fall in love. I just happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong person. Often times, the choices we make are not really by choice at all. You wanted to get married by 28, but you’re surfing on Match.com on the eve of your 30th birthday. It’s no longer just a matter of making choices… it’s about taking chances. And since life always takes chances with us, it’s time we return the favor. Who knows, you just might end up right where you’re supposed to…