Always remember everything we say and everything we do has consequences. Sometimes they may be positive and other times they may be negative. Nonetheless, we must accept them. Our choices also impact more than just us. They impact those we love and those around us, including future generations. We can fool ourselves by believing that moments do not matter, especially if they are little ones, but that is far from the truth. When we compromise on the decisions we must make, even just a little, with something that goes against our core values, beliefs, or judgment it eventually catches up with us in some form or another.
We are living in times when it is easy to justify doing something that we know is not the right thing to do. We tell ourselves that it must be okay because everybody is doing it, or we fool ourselves into believing nobody will ever find out. The problem is, we know and when we know in our hearts that something is not right, we are living a lie. Lies take on a life of their own and we can try to convince ourselves that a lie is the truth. But deep down inside, we know it is not.
On the flip side, this pandemic has really revealed how we cannot take anything for granted and life is short. It is important to focus on the things that really matter because so many things are fleeting. COVID-19 has prohibited all of us from spending as much time as we would like with our loved ones and we miss them. I am not able to visit my grandchildren like I would want, and I have come to cherish every moment I get to FaceTime with them and see their smiles and hear their voices. This has been a perfect example of how moments matter, even the little ones. The choice or decision to stay in our bubbles protects everyone.
Difficult days are still before us and we will continue to face choices that must be made. Sometimes these choices will challenge our character and we must remember, what is done in the dark will eventually come to light. The thrill or joy that may last for a moment is not worth a lifetime of negative or bad consequences that could flow into future generations. We may have to sacrifice something, but we will be able to hold onto our dignity with pride. As the saying goes, we will pay now, or we will pay later. The Harry Potter book series shares, “It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
I do not want to come across doom and gloom because if you are like me, somewhere in the course of your life you may have made a few bad choices or yielded to a moment that you wish you could take back. It is not too late. We can always stop and get back on course. Although we have to live with life’s consequences, it does not mean things cannot get better. It is true that some things we will have to live with, but we can learn to live in peace with ourselves and others. There can be light at the end of the tunnel so never give up.
Decide today that you will not allow yourself to make choices that are selfish and that could possibly hurt others. Before giving into moments for immediate pleasure think about the cost and consequences. In the end you will sleep better and be happier with yourself. Keep your head up. Brighter days will come.