I read an article recently that compared Twitter to a piece of paper. Each Tweet was like a dot on that paper. By itself, that dot was rather insignificant and meaningless, but as you write more and more Tweets, a pattern starts to emerge. Over time, and with enough dots, people start to get a sense of what you stand for.

The choices we make are a lot like Tweets. Individually, a choice may seem like nothing. Or depending on your situation, perhaps it seems like everything. It’s a matter of perspective. Some people don’t put much thought into their choices, while others place too much emphasis on them. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that your choices, big or small, are part of a collective. Whether it’s choosing an apple over a cupcake, or choosing to quit your job, each choice matters, but each choice isn’t everything.

Should I have kept that sarcastic remark to myself? Should I have bought the sedan instead of the convertible? Some choices are bigger than others, but the fact is, once it’s done, it’s done. Dwelling on it does nothing. The nature of dots are scattered. Just look up at a clear night sky. No one expects anyone to be symmetrical all the time.

If you make a mistake, that’s normal. Learn from it and move on, even if it was a colossal booboo. Use it to empower you on your next choice. Be conscientious with every moment, but don’t agonize. There are endless dots to be made, so don’t fear them. Fear paralyzes you, keeps you from being true to yourself. Our choices make us who we are. Choices, not one choice, but all of them together.