Beyond the Ifs: Choosing Life Before It's Too Late

As the saying goes, everything happens for a purpose. However, there are moments in life when events unfold in ways that seem deeply unjust—circumstances that fail to give us what we rightfully deserve. Take, for instance, the tragic loss of a loved one at the hands of ruthless criminals. We know, without a doubt, that such an incident is unbearably painful, leaving behind a wound that resists healing. The gravity of such a reality is immense, and the natural response is resistance—an anguish that lashes through the soul like an unrelenting torment.

Faced with this kind of suffering, we may not always articulate our emotions clearly, yet the pain creates a vivid and haunting imprint in our minds. It pushes us into a realm of longing—into a plea wrapped in desperation: If only I could bring back the life of the one I lost, I would do it a thousand times over. But what can we truly do when the unimaginable happens? It is foolish to dwell on unrealistic thoughts, yet in moments of grief, the inevitable what if surfaces, gripping our hearts with sorrow. God forbid, but indeed, life can be cruel.

The essence of my reflection is this: Every fleeting moment in life matters. Every second is an invitation to reclaim lost chances, to seize opportunities before they slip beyond our grasp. Regret always arrives too late, and ifs stand beside it like unwelcome companions. Why do we settle for ifs? Why hesitate when choices are within reach? No more ifs—not if we stand firm in our decisions, boldly declaring, “Yes, this is it.” Why wait until death forces words from our lips—"I’m sorry, I love you, I care for you"—spoken only before a lifeless body? Why do we hold back expressions of love when the ones we cherish are still among us?

We always have a choice. And yet, too often, we act too late. That is why ifs linger. They shadow our steps, standing beside us when we are faced with crossroads, reminding us of the options we failed to take. In the end, when time has run its course, we are left with no choice but to accept reality as it is.

We must embrace this truth: We become what we never expected ourselves to be if we remain haunted by our ifs. They will chase us if we do not choose wisely. What fortifies us against a future weighed down by regrets is the possession of an open heart and a mindful soul. When these twin forces—openness and wisdom—are cultivated within us, we gain the ability to accept life as it unfolds. And in acceptance, we discover inner peace.

When inner peace is achieved, the ripple spreads outward, leading us back to the purity of the world’s original harmony. When this harmony is restored, we stand prepared to face the future with God by our side. But none of this can happen unless we choose to make it happen.

Remember, in this world, the only impossibility is possibility.