Bad Decisions Make Better Stories

In 2000, I made a decision many would call reckless: I married someone I had barely known, all because of a whirlwind romance in Rio de Janeiro. That choice brought heartbreak, sleepless nights, and soul-searching challenges—but also, the greatest blessings of my life.

It began in Brasilia, where I had traveled to care for my gravely ill father. After his passing, I sought distraction in Rio de Janeiro, hoping to escape my grief. Instead, I met a woman who would turn my life upside down. Our connection was intense and fast. When she told me she was pregnant, I felt a wave of fear, responsibility, and hope. I chose to stay. I moved to Rio, married her, and we welcomed two incredible daughters into the world.

Life, however, doesn’t follow neat plans. I poured myself into work to provide for my family while staying present for my girls, who were my light. My wife, however, seemed to drift away. When she had an affair, our marriage ended, and she moved on. My daughters stayed with me, and single parenthood became both my challenge and my pride. Despite the hurt, we kept communication open for the sake of our children.

Five years later, she reached out. Time had softened old wounds, and we decided to try again. We remarried and moved to Germany with our daughters. For a while, it felt like a fresh start, but 2 years later, another affair shattered our reconciliation. The pain was even greater the second time, and we divorced once more.

Today, she remains in Germany with a new partner. My daughters, my greatest treasures, have grown into remarkable women. One stayed in Germany, and the other moved to Switzerland with me. They are living proof that even chaotic decisions can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Looking back, it’s easy to judge my choices. Marrying someone I barely knew? Trying again years later? These decisions brought heartache and regret, but they also brought me the two most important people in my life. Without those choices, my daughters wouldn’t exist, and I’d make the same decisions all over again.

The lesson? Bad decisions don’t define us—what we do with them does. They teach resilience and self-awareness, and sometimes, they bring the most unexpected joys. Life doesn’t promise perfect outcomes, but even mistakes can shape the stories and people we treasure most. Remember: bad decisions often make the best stories, and within them lies the beauty and meaning we’re searching for.