We don't talk about alternative universes a lot. We get so caught up in the universe we live in, it's hard to imagine a world beyond what we're living in. If you've seen inception, alternative universes are kind of like that. Well in some ways, aside from the fact, I definitely do not have the fancy equipment to go to these universes, but you can dream right? Anyways, I think in the current state of things, this is the time to get to explore our minds past our walls and homes and into new realities.
For a bit of background, this is how my belief in alternative universes began. Sophomore year of college, I started my role as a Resident Advisor and I was grouped with some of the best co-workers. As they have been mentioned several times throughout the blog, we had a sense of connection like no other. Since we all had our undeniable chemistry, we used to joke that there were other universe where we were dating/married to one another. There was even another universe where we were all dating each other. Another universe where we lived in a barn in the outskirts of New York. There was even another universe where we didn't talk to one another or not know each other, we never liked to talk about those ones. Picturing the other universes was a fun opportunity to pretend what other things might be existing in other universes with different decisions and different circumstances. So we spent our Sundays in the tutoring center often exploring this concept. If something didn't work out, no worries, in another universe it could.
So what is an alternative universe? While there's probably some sort of scientific physics term to the meaning, but I don't let science determine every aspect of my life. So to me: it's a place where events occur differently than they would in our current universe in which we live in. In my eyes, there's endless amounts of universes out there, quite possibly a zillion or so, probably more, and that's just thinking of one given individual's alternative universes. There are infinite possibilities in the universe. A universe where every possible outcome can be possible, and each universe gets to embrace something differently.
The concept of alternative universes keeps me peaceful. It makes me consider that even if I make a decision that some might see as wrong, or I potentially regret, it is the decision for this universe. Somewhere else the choices were different and the reality too because it was meant to be that way in the other universe. It helps me to not overthink the decision because at the end of the day, I get to decide what I want this universe to be. Don't let this fool you, I absolutely still overthink, like any reasonable 22 year old, I can't help it. Alternative universes give me a safety zone, a reminder that it is okay and it will all work out in some shape or form. It just reminds me that everything that could have happened, IS happening, just in another universe.
In this universe I choose decisions based primarily on kindness, ambitions and passion. This universe considers choices with mainly my heart, but also my mind. This universe features a happy and positive Katie Patterson, one who is always willing to put in all her effort with anything and anyone. Sometimes she doesn't know how to not put in effort, even for some people that might deserve that, but she's just not about that. Half effort is no effort, and she always wants to ensure people know that she cares. A Katie Patterson that strives to be kind to all that she meets and with passionately go after all her goals until she gets there. This universe is about words of affirmation and striving achieve my dreams. This universe, I hope, is the one in which I can make my greatest impact on the world and others in it. This universe is the best one because it is mine and the one I get to live a part of. The other KP universes are never my competition. I am excited for her. She gets different opportunities and get different people in her life that all shape her into the individual she is.
Maybe there's a goth Katie in another universe, or one where she's shy and extremely introverted, or maybe even one where she isn't actually a vegetarian. The reality is the other universes offer differ ways for me to live my life, and no version is better or not, but it is my universes. I know that Katie is thriving in different ways in alternative universes with different identities and interests and i am happy for her.
I can't spend too much time sweating every decision and every different universe. I am a big believer that at the end of the day, things happen for a reason, but I will do what I can to make this the best universe. I hope that you all take that challenge yourselves. Remember that best doesn't have to mean better than others, or even being #1, I just wish a universe of fulfillment and happiness for everyone. A universe of memories to remember and people to spend time with you. Whatever the best universe means to you, go out and live it, well after quarantine is over. But in the meantime dream of yourself frolicking through a field, going to busy place, or eating out at your favorite restaurant, but above all stay healthy and know you are loved!
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