At Riverside Park, I walk up toward Columbia University, circle back, and sit by the river. Something feels strange. For a river, the most important thing is to flow, yet the water remains still, like a lake. It ripples in place, as though hesitating about which direction to choose. Has it decided that the best course of action is not to flow, but to remain quietly still?
Which way will the river flow? Like the river's hesitation, life, too, is a series of choices. Even after making what seems to be the best choice, dissatisfaction or regret may follow. Yet, part of living is to turn even a wrong decision into something positive. Letting go of the fear of having chosen poorly and doing our best is essential, because the choices of the past shape the life we live today.
When faced with decisions that challenge one’s conscience, making a choice is not always easy. The same applies to even trivial matters. Sometimes, when confronted with realities we’d rather ignore, we hesitate at crossroads. At times, we must choose between speaking out courageously and remaining silent for our own safety. In those moments, I often set the decision aside, leaving it to time. That doesn’t mean I believe time alone will resolve everything. Instead, I quietly wait and reflect, like a river rippling in place without flowing in either direction, taking walks to bide my time. Walking not only promotes health but also works hand in hand with time to guide, encourage, and support me toward the most reasonable direction.
Just as flowing is crucial for the river, searching for the right path in the life given to me is what truly matters. Without rushing, I contemplate and wait, striving to create good outcomes even from poor decisions. Like trees enduring the cold winter and greeting spring by tenderly sprouting new buds on a warm day.
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