Making independent choices
Have you noticed that making decisions for yourself is becoming more difficult? Perhaps you find yourself hesitating more often than before. Or you may notice that others are quicker to decide for you what is sensible. This may be well-intentioned, but it can also feel as though you have less control over your own life. Making independent choices isn’t just about big decisions. It’s also about everyday matters. What will you and won’t you do today? What help will you accept? Which activities suit your energy levels? If your health or capacity changes, these kinds of choices can suddenly feel much more burdensome.
What do you notice?
Difficulty making decisions independently can manifest itself in various ways. Sometimes you mainly notice hesitation. Sometimes you prefer to leave decisions to others.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you find yourself hesitating longer over everyday decisions;
- you are afraid of making the wrong choice;
- you seek a great deal of validation from others;
- you are postponing your decisions;
- you let others decide what you do;
- if you are subsequently dissatisfied with a choice;
- you find it difficult to express your own wishes;
- if you feel uncertain due to symptoms or tiredness;
- you lose track of the big picture when there are lots of options.
Sometimes making a choice feels particularly difficult because every choice has consequences. If you choose one activity, you may have less energy for something else. That makes it understandable that you feel more uncertain.
