I gave notice on a Monday. By Tuesday, I was already building the case for why I should take it back. Here's what I finally understood about the fear that floods in right after a real decision: it isn't a verdict telling you you were wrong. It's the feeling of your life actually changing.

When the world feels shaky, you go looking for someone who knows better — an expert, a system, anyone with the answer. I get the impulse. But we were taught to look outside ourselves our whole lives, and it's worth asking what happens when we stop. Here's how I think about trusting yourself when nothing outside feels certain.