In Wild, Cheryl Strayed writes about the difference between deciding to do something and actually committing to it: “There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it.” Reflect on a time in your own life when you made a quick or casual decision that later required a deeper commitment. Describe what changed between the first decision and the moment you realized you truly had to follow through. What fears, challenges, or responsibilities became real once the decision was no longer just an idea?

 Prompt Response: I decided to join a school sport. It was easy at first, but when practices started, I realized it was starting to become real. I had to work hard.

Summary: Strayed explains that deciding to do something is different from committing to it. A choice becomes real when you follow through with it.

Reflection: Mines connects because my decision felt easy at first, then became serious.