- decide
- c.1380, from O.Fr. decider, from L. decidere “to decide,” lit. “to cut off,” from de- “off” + cædere “to cut” (see cement). Sense is of resolving difficulties “at a stroke.” Originally “to settle a dispute;” meaning “to make up one’s mind” is attested from 1830. Decided in the adj. sense of “resolute” is from 1790.
I think it’s interesting that one of the Latin roots of the word decide is the same root as part of homicide and suicide; cædere “to cut”.
That’s how I’m feeling about my choices for grad school. It has come down to the university where I currently work (and where I did my undergrad) and a beautiful school in Nashville, TN. I thought I had made my decision. I had prayed about it and really felt the decision was up to me, so I thought I made it. I was set. I was moving to Nashville.
But something happened yesterday, and now everything is up in the air. It wasn’t anything major. I just got an email from someone currently in the program here, and the email made me think.
So, now I’m at a 50/50 split. I really don’t know what I’m going to do. Really. I still feel like, in terms of spiritual things, God is putting the decision completely in my hands (yes, I do pray about things occasionally). I know what I thought I wanted to do, but sometimes, when I think I know what I want to do, I fail to compare the way I should. Let the comparing begin.
existential dilemmas 
man, good luck. I think I have made approximately 2 decisions in my life that are as important as that one. Good Good luck
I love Tennessee, so any advice I give would be extremely tainted. Good luck with the decision!
Ha Ha Ha, now it’s my turn to say that your life SUCKS!!! At least we aren’t the only ones! But seriously isn’t decision making hard? Just make a pros and cons list and then put a big fat “I’ll be closer to Zack and Shannon” on the Pros list for Nashville!! I think that counts as like 5 pros!!
Good luck! Decision making is painful for me… especially these ones that aren’t clear cut. I hope things land in place for you soon. You will know.Excellent post.
Oh, I hate making big decisions. But I do agree with Hannah’s advice: if I make a decision and have a strong reaction to it, then I know. Good luck!
Ohhhhh, good LUCK with this decision. I do not envy it. This is a biggie. I’m dying for you to post what you’ll be studying! I don’t think I’ve picked that up yet from any of your posts.
For what it is worth, it might be good to do your graduate work at a place different from your undergraduate degree. It matters a lot in some degrees and not so much in others. For me going has always been the ultmate best decision. Suzy
Isn’t it simultaneously thrilling/frustrating when God trusts us enough to make major decisions on our own? I felt exactly the same way when I had to decide about grad school. Good luck deciding!
All I can say is good luck and follow your heart!
Oh man, I’m sorry! I suck right now. I know. But I only did it because I love you and I thought I was helping! You’ll know the answer when it comes and I know you’ll make the right choice. Either way you are going to an awesome school!
seriously. what a great post, chloe. sometimes i think god isn’t a micromanager. sometimes he is. nice to know that he gives us so much trust sometimes. you will excel wherever you go.
go to nashville chloe. it is so easier to think of reasons to stay…i can’t tell you how many times i have thought i should have just stuck around in my cute little beach town but already, the growth in two weeks has been tremendous…i am pretty sure your heart wants out of p-town.
That is a hard call to make. Most choices are left up to us after prayer is involved. Sometimes I am like, “Just tell me what to do! It would be so much easier.” Good luck with your decision. The great thing in it all is that He will let you know if you are making the wrong decision.
Not a place I like to be in at all esp. with life changes. Here is what I honestly do- it sounds so stupid, but it works every time:When I have prayed about things and it seems that they are both good choices, I flip a coin and follow my gut reaction. If it is heads and TN and you are instantly thrilled- I would follow that. If it is your current school and you feel sad at all that you would stay- you know where you should go.Or you could try the whole eeny-meeny-miney-mo thing…
I hate making decisions like this! Sorry that you’re in this sticky spot. But it’ll be so nice when the decision is made and you know what your future is!Good luck tomorrow, by the by!