To Decide or Not Decide…Is that even a question?
By Shannon Stoby
There are a lot of choices in the world today. So many decisions to make over the course of the day that it can become overwhelming. Even the most insignificant part of our day can involve a complicated choice due to the volume of selection. Then, when it comes time to make a really important decision, we are already so overloaded that it can seem impossible.
One of the biggest obstacles in decision-making is the fear of making the wrong one. We agonize over all of the variables and the worst-case scenarios, trying to determine the best course of action based on a bunch of things we’ve made up in our heads. True, there can be a lot of things to consider. Regardless of the decision, the big life ones can involve other people in your life, financial considerations, your goals, your comfort zone, and any number of other factors. The possibilities of outcomes seems endless.
Usually at this point, we start trying to gather more information. This is an age of information, after all. And while it is great to make informed decisions, at some point the only way to get more information is to make a decision. At a certain point, you realize that the question you really want answered is ‘how is this going to turn out?’ and there is only one way to find out. Until you do something, there is only the hamster wheel in your head churning out the what ifs.
What do you really want? Many times honestly answering that question can be the hardest part. Many times what we really want seems illogical or impossible or can seem selfish to even consider. Those worst-case scenarios come easily to mind, but what about the best-case scenarios? Can you imagine the solution instead of the problem?
What does your gut tell you? What does your heart tell you? Your brain is driving you crazy; what is your body saying? Do not ignore this information…it’s important.
Life is full of choices. But, more importantly, it is also full of lessons. Even if the decision you make does not have the desired outcome, is that really worse than the purgatory of indecision? At least you will have learned something and you will know how it turns out. Where you go from there…you decide.
By: Shannon Stoby, PT, MScPT
Physiotherapist
Shannon is a Physical Therapist with an interest in helping her patients achieve holistic healing from whatever ails them and achieve optimum functioning in pursuing their passions.
Shannon graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education with distinction, and followed with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She is licensed with the College of Physical Therapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Shannon has trained extensively in John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR), and this is the focus of her practice. She has worked with patients with mental illness, has trained in women’s health treatment, and is a sports enthusiast; MFR allows her a means to assist with all of these issues in a meaningful way. She has also worked across the lifespan, with experience addressing the health concerns of older adults. Through her experience in work and in life, she has come to understand that there is more to healing than just the body. While physical health is paramount, the roles of the mind and the soul in health and healing are of equal importance.
Shannon is excited for the opportunity to work with the talented team at IHI, and looks forward to working with you, in wherever the journey may lead.
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