As a child, I loved a particular series of adventure books with multiple possible endings. You, the reader, were the main character. At crucial moments, you’d be asked to choose: do you go left or right? Open this door or that one? Fight the bad guys or flee from danger? Your decision would determine the next page you turned to, and ultimately, the outcome of your story.

Reading the book wasn’t the typical page after page. The next page was determined by your choice from two options. Reading was interactive, full of anticipation. One choice could take you to victory, another to an early, unexpected end.

Sometimes, if I didn’t like the ending, I’d flip back and try a different path, a different adventure, a new story.

You see, life is a lot like that.

We often act like we’re not in control, but the truth is, we’re writing our own stories every day through the countless decisions we make. Like now, as I lie here typing this article on my phone, having chosen to put off everything else.

We really are the sum of our decisions.

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the book launch of Orondaam Otto’s latest adventure, Inked Memory | Where Memories Live Forever ✍️🏽 , a heartfelt venture focused on preserving family legacy.

I’m grateful I chose to show up. That one decision changed what could have been just another uneventful Sunday.

Two simple decisions made my day unforgettable.

First, I chose to introduce myself to two people, despite the temptation to just sit still and say nothing.

You see, my dad transitioned five years ago. It’s been a tough, emotional ride. So when the rare chance to connect with his memory presented itself, I took it.

Ndidi Nwuneli and her father were speaking at the event. I had met Ndidi once, years ago, and when I introduced myself then, she had told me our fathers were good friends.

As their session ended, I watched in admiration, as the two of them exit quickly before the next began. I hesitated. Should I? Should I not? Ten seconds passed, long enough to consider backing out, but short enough to act before I talked myself out of it. I turned to my husband, placing my purse on his lap and said, “I need to dash somewhere.”

And I dashed. Down the amphitheatre steps, through the adjacent café, weaving between chairs and into the car park, just in time.

I caught up with them as they were about to get into their car. I reintroduced myself to Ndidi. Her eyes lit up as she turned to her father and introduced me as my father’s daughter.

The look on his face said it all. He beamed, visibly moved. And then he told me something I never knew, that my father had been the chairman of his company.

I held on to that hug, longer than I normally would, because where else could I get a father’s hug?

As I walked back into the hall, I was wrapped in the warm, unexpected glow of sweet memories.

But the story didn’t end there.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, the renowned actress was also at the event with her husband and daughter. A decade ago, my dad once told me her husband had worked in his company.

Again, I asked myself, should I or shouldn’t I?

Before I could talk myself out of it, I walked over and said, “You don’t know me, but you know my father…”

As I explained who I was, his face lit up too. He shared how he had spoken to my dad the year he passed, and how my dad had introduced him to some business contacts. He spoke fondly of my father’s calm, peaceful presence and kind spirit. We laughed, we reminisced. And again, I felt grateful.

Not to mention the other incredible people I met.

These moments were unlocked by seemingly simple decisions:

Whether to attend an event Whether to introduce yourself Whether to take the first step Whether to say something when you could have stayed silent

Life is shaped by choices just like these.

Whether to send that message.

Whether to make that call.

Whether to argue or let it go.

The little things are what change the trajectory of our lives, and the stories we end up telling.

I’m basking in the joy of not knowing what comes next, but trusting that I get to choose the adventure. I get to write the story. I get to create the ending.

So, instead of being a passive bystander, choose to be the protagonist of your life.

Choose your adventure.

Live your life.

Write your story.

Create your own ending.

…one filled with beautiful memories.

What next? Where next? What adventure are you choosing today? What memories will you create?

You life is not just happening, you are wrting your life story with every choice!

Your thoughts?

#choice #legacy #adventure #story