When Do Your Choices Affect Others?

The Power of Choice in My Own Life

If there’s one thing I’ve learned—and keep learning—it’s this: Life is short. Choose wisely.

That’s not just my trademarked tagline; it’s a message that came to me in a dream from my brother after he passed away. It’s become the compass I live by.

The older I get, the more aware I am that every single choice I make matters—not just for me, but for the people I love, for strangers I may never meet, and for the legacy I’ll leave behind.

I think back on my life and the choices I’ve made. Some were brilliant. Others? Not so much. I wish I could say that since that dream in 2010, every choice I’ve made has been stellar. But that would be a lie. I’m human. I’ve messed up. I’ve ignored red flags. I’ve talked myself into choices I knew deep down weren’t right—purchases I couldn’t afford, friendships that turned toxic, even buying a dress I didn’t like just because it was on sale.

Here’s what I know for sure: Your choices don’t exist in isolation. They ripple outward in ways you can’t always see.

Learning to Listen to the Nudges

Have you ever felt that little voice inside whispering: This doesn’t feel right? Maybe your shoulders tighten, your stomach twists, your chest feels heavy. That’s your body, your mind, your intuition waving a bright red flag, telling you to pay attention.

But how often do we ignore those signals?

I’ve done it. I’ve silenced my inner voice because I didn’t want to rock the boat or because I was afraid of what other people would think. But I’ve learned the hard way:

If you have to talk yourself into the choice you’re making, you shouldn’t be making that choice at all.

If you catch yourself rationalizing, explaining away the doubts, convincing yourself that it’s probably fine—pause. Ask yourself:

• Am I trying to convince myself this is right because it actually isn’t?

• What’s my body telling me right now?

• Who might this choice affect—beyond just me?

Ignoring those nudges doesn’t just hurt me—it hurts the people who love me, who count on me, who look up to me.

How Choices Shape the Lives of Others

One of the most profound examples of how choices ripple out comes from my own family.

My dad was a phenomenal musician. He played the trombone like nobody’s business, and the Navy offered him a dream opportunity—to stay in as a career Navy man and lead the entire naval band.

Imagine that. Leading the U.S. Navy Band. Traveling the world. Playing for presidents.

But my dad chose differently. He chose to come home, marry my mom, and start a family.

Because of that one choice, my life exists. My brothers’ lives exist. Hundreds of people whose lives my dad touched in his community, in his music store, in conversations he had, all of that exists because he made the choice he did.

“Every single choice you make affects other people—sometimes in ways you’ll never fully know.”

Think about your own life. What choices have you made that changed the course of your family, your friendships, your career? And what choices are you making right now that could alter someone else’s story, even years from now?

Are you ready to start making choices that align with the life you truly want?

I created the It’s About Time Mastermind for women who are tired of living on autopilot and are ready to make intentional, powerful decisions. If you’re feeling the tug for “more” in your life—more impact, more fulfillment, more freedom—come join us. Let’s help you choose wisely.

→ Learn More & Apply Here

The Leadership Within Your Choices

I believe with all my heart that each of us is a leader. You might be leading your business, your family, your friend group, or just yourself through a hard season. But you’re leading.

And leadership starts with the choices you make.

Every time you choose to be kind instead of impatient, to listen instead of react, to take a stand for what you believe in—you’re building your leadership muscle. You’re becoming the kind of person others look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope.

When I think about the power of choice, I don’t see it as a burden—I see it as a gift. Yes, it’s a huge responsibility. But it’s also an incredible opportunity.

We all have choices to make every day. Some are small: What am I having for breakfast? Should I go for a walk or hit the snooze button? Others are life-changing: Should I leave this job? Should I speak up about something I know is wrong?

Whatever choice you’re facing today, I encourage you to ask yourself:

• Is this the right choice for me—and for the people around me?

• Am I making this decision from fear… or from faith?

• What legacy do I want this choice to leave?

We may not have control over every circumstance life throws at us. But we do have the power to choose how we respond—and that, my friend, is where true freedom lies.

Life is short. Choose wisely.

You Have the Power Right Now

As I sit here on the cusp of entering my 60s, I feel this truth deeper than ever: we don’t have to wait for age or crisis to teach us the value of intentional living.

I want you to know—you have the power of choice right now. You don’t need anyone’s permission to start choosing the life you truly want.

Listen to your inner voice. Trust those nudges. Lean into your choices with courage. And remember:

Your choices don’t just affect you. They shape the world around you.

So make choices today that your future self—and everyone whose life you touch—will thank you for.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

With love,
CarrieVee