Choices, Choices, Choices

I'm not sure it's always been the case, but as a modern-day American, I feel like I have a plethora of options, regardless of what decision is at hand.  I would say, in most cases, that this is fabulous and even a sign of progress.  But, are there times when not so many options would be better?

I encountered this question as I shopped for a new digital camera.  Not only are there a zillion makes to choose from, but there are a dozen considerations to first narrow down before you can even start deciding on a maker and model.  There's point and shoot under $200, point and shoot over $200, compact zoom, extended zoom, advanced compact, compact mirrorless, dSLR for entry-level, mid-level and enthusiast as well as the full-frame dSLR.  And just like cars, it seems like every new year, if not half or quarter year, will bring with it a whole new set of models and improvements.  So, while the decision to invest in a new camera was seemingly simple, the next step of actually choosing a camera seems so incredibly complex.   

Sometimes it's nice to only have an "A" or "B."  Even throwing a "C" in there can make things a little crazy.  But, I wonder if this seemingly complex state of choices is just a manifestation of our ever-evolving world.  For instance, before there were digital cameras and life was a little less busy and advanced, were there zillions of new options all the time when considering a simple camera purchase?  Before there was the internet, were there infinite ways to find the exact shirt or other random item you wanted?  Were people as overwhelmed by every single choice as we can be today?

It's these moments that the phrase "keep it simple" seems way out of step with where the world is today.  It's also these moments that remind me of how the stage is set to make it really easy to forget to be grateful for the everyday small stuff.  With so many choices and so much "noise," it is so easy to be distracted and move on to the next complicated choice.  Today, I will observe as many "choice intermissions" as possible.  It's okay to take a break.