Stifled by choices

I know it seems like a contradiction to say that choices are stifling but I don't think you can argue with the fact that they certainly complicate things. I know I am blessed to have lots of choices in my life and I am grateful for that. However, sometimes I think life would be simpler and I could be more content if I had fewer choices.

Think of it in the context of our consumer society. Do I really need 10 choices of orange juice? Wouldn't I be just as happy if there were only a few choices? Does another addition really improve my life? But I can live with this. The real problem for me is big life decisions. Being single and in my twenties I realize there are so many directions I can take my life - how can I possibly decide which way to go? It would be easier if I was choosing between clearly good and clearly bad things but I am struggling with choosing between lots of good options.

I went through a bit of a quarter life crisis (don't laugh, they are real!) when I graduated from college but now I feel like I am re-hashing the same decisions with a few more years under my belt and an ever-changing perspective. So far I've come away with one conclusion: whatever I want to do I need to be intentional about the choices I make to help me get there. I can't just float along waiting for things to happen. I'm not a big fan of 5 year and 10 year plans because I don't think we can actually plan our lives that much. But I still need to be intentional about moving in the direction I want to go.

Oh, and I need to pray a lot!