One
of the things I like in fiction is how small decisions can have big
consequences. Especially when they are decisions that seem
inconsequential, and the subsequent consequences are completely
unpredictable, yet completely logical.
I
mean, take a look at an often quoted decision in Star Wars. Near the
start of the first film (that is, the first one made; not episode 1)
an escape pod is jettisoned from the captured Tantive IV. Someone on
the Star Destroyer holding the ship orders his lackeys not to fire as
there are no signs of life.
That
escape pod, of course, held C3P0 and R2D2; the latter of which held
the plans to the Death Star. In choosing not to shoot down that
escape pod, a chain of events was set in motion that led to the
destruction of the Death Star and the eventual downfall of the
Empire.
Had
that escape pod been destroyed, none of that could have happened, and
the Empire would probably have been in charge for a heck of a lot
longer...
And
things can work like this is real life as well. From a personal
perspective, I made an inconsequential decision back in January 1998.
At least, that's the way it seemed. However, that decision put me on
a path that took me to where I am now. I do sometimes wonder what
would have happened had I not made that decision. The places I'd have
gone. Or not gone. The people I'd never have met. And the people
who'd never have been born.
Back
then. January 1998. I was in a rut. I needed change, but I had no
idea how to go about it. Nothing I was doing was changing anything.
But then, slowly, over the year, events brought about by that small
decision, changed everything...
And
now I feel in a rut again. I need change. I know the things I need to
change, and some ways I think I should use to effect a change. But it
doesn't seem to be working.
What
I need is that small decision... and then everything will be alright.
