Choices Have Consequences

In this life, we have agency which is the ability to choose for ourselves -- what to think and believe, how to act, and what to become.  I love that we have freedom to make our own choices.

Choices have consequences.  In fact, there is no choice we can make that comes without consequences, intentional or unintentional.  Sometimes the consequences are pleasant; other times they are not.  Wisdom teaches us to carefully consider the choices we make and the consequences that might follow.  If we don't like the possible outcomes, maybe we should reconsider the choice. 

Most likely, we will all experience times in our lives where we make choices that lead to consequences we did not foresee and do not enjoy.  We can take responsibility for these choices or we can choose to be victims. Taking responsibility means we "suck it up," "face the music," or "pay the piper" learning how to move forward as best we can.  Choosing to be a victim happens when we refuse to take responsibility for the choices that led to the consequences.  Instead, we blame other people or situations for the circumstances.  Again, our choice.

When we take responsibility, we let go of the hurt and pain allowing us to grow in courage, strength, wisdom, and knowledge.  We overcome our circumstances and become more aware of possible consequences which help us make better choices.  We desire to share our learning to help others avoid the pitfalls we have experienced.  We become more loving and understanding.

In contrast, when we become a victim, we hurt so deeply that we want others to hurt also.  Not only do we want them to feel our pain, we want them to experience their own pain as well.  We fear, blame, condemn, and seek out injustice.  We want revenge!  We become hardened by our experiences and stop caring, trying and learning.  We become hopeless that things will ever change unless we force them.  We refuse to budge from our current understanding.  Though at times we might be victimized, we can refuse to become a victim.

From reading the news, it appears that many people today want to make their own choices without any consequences.  They don't want to be responsible for their own actions, and yet they want everyone else to be held accountable for everything that happens.

Everyone has the right and responsibility to choose for themselves.  No one else can choose for them.  No one else can choose for me.  I choose for myself and will accept the consequences.

Make a Difference

Most of us feel fortunate not to be in the public eye.  Why?  Have you read the "news" lately?  Most of it is negative and burdensome.  No wonder there are so many people suffering from depression... So much negativity and too many critics!

It seems that anything goes when it comes to "a story."  Much of the media twist events in a negative way to spark our emotions.  We buy it and react!  It seems society used to try and avoid the gossip, except for tabloid journalism.  Now, the biggest part of mainstream news seems to be tabloid material.

Quite honestly, I find it disgusting.  There are terrible things happening and we should be aware of them.  But why focus on the negative?  

The law of attraction states that like attracts like.  When we focus on negative things, it takes over our thoughts.  Negative attracts negative and creates more of it.  Likewise, positive attracts positive...and multiplies!

The following quote helps me put things into context.  It gives credit to those who work to make a difference; and it provides me hope and courage as I strive to do the same.

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled and fell, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena: whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again…who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; and at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."  Teddy Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena

Another favorite quote comes to mind.  (Like attracts like...☺️)

"What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say:  'Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve.'"  Gordon B. Hinkley, The Continuing Pursuit of Truth

So forget about the critics.  There will always be critics.  Do something worthwhile.  Don't be distracted from worthy causes.  Make a difference!  We can change the world by accentuating the positive.

And remember:  "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about."  Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray