There was a time in my life when every question or opportunity in front of me felt like a test that I was unlikely to earn a good grade for. That aligned with my belief that life was out to get me and that I would bomb where others would soar.
Looking back, I realize what a paranoid and punishing perspective that was. I'm grateful that I no longer feel that way.
It's true that we might freeze when presented with multiple choices about something that matters to us, but we can lean into that pause and feel our way to the right response. On an ongoing basis, we are called upon to sort out what is true and what is false, which is tricky in today's world, but we can research and discern what is truest for ourselves.
Our character can be tested by people or events, but we can always respond kindly and authentically (okay, maybe not always). Life isn't a pass-or-fail endeavor.
We always get marks for effort. Life is just life.