Metaphorically, the ship took off and I wasn't on it. Though the sail was bumpy, they made it to the beautiful island and enjoyed the beauty there. I didn't go as I felt unsafe--I chose safety over adventure. Did I make the right choice?
Sometimes we may regret taking the safe course, but in general, even if your fears are not realized, it's best to follow your gut if you've given that gut reaction proper attention using pros/cons list, working backwards, and visualizing the decisions possible including related outcomes.
I took the safe path, and while I am a bit envious of the island's beauty and adventure, I knew I needed to be safe this time--I knew that I have a lot to look forward to, and I wanted to be around for that.
Do we make safe choices or do we take less safe risks? There's good reasons for both decisions depending on where you sit, what you know, and where you're headed.
This time, I took the safe path while others took the risk. Personally I'm in a stronger place because of that--I needed time, energy, greater capacity for the days ahead, and this choice not to travel a risky path has given me that. In a sense, this was the frugal choice--like putting money away for a rainy day, this was a choice to save up and maximize energy, capacity, and strength for the days ahead.
So how do I maximize the benefit of this choice? I can't forget why I made it, and what I hope for--the direction I'm going, and the pursuits I'm invested in pursuits like attention to my parents, family, home, advocacy, and capacity for future contribution. Onward.