Consequences. They can be a bitter pill to swallow. The results of thousands of daily choices, either made out of ignorance or distraction or misunderstanding. They can upset our mental calm, makes waves in the currents around us, and bring us to anger or hurt. There are positive consequences, of course; however, I’ve recently been dealing with negative consequences a lot lately, which prompts these thoughts.
In the moment that I feel the sharpest sting of the negative consequence, all I can think about is the anger and frustration that I feel at myself for taking the action that caused it. In the hot moment of searing regret, like a smoldering arrow through the heart, that’s hard to keep consequences in perspective.
Yet is there any consequence so big that it will not or cannot be overcome? That cannot be “smoothed out?” When I think back over my life and the negative consequences to choices I’ve made I observe how I have survived them, moved past them, evolved beyond them. Consequences are a byproduct of personal freedom, and if I want to get rid of consequences, I'll have to give up my freedom. Furthermore, I know that “mistakes are the best way to learn,” that “wisdom only comes through experience” i.e. consequences.
When I foul up, thinking back on all of these helps me.
I still hate consequences, though.
consequences suck. It's noticing them that matters. As long as you notice, and make a conscious agreement with yourself to think before you act the next time around, you are doing the best thing for yourself and those concerned.
Too many people are blind to consequences, and repeat terrible offenses to themselves and others.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
"Consequences are a byproduct of personal freedom, and if I want to get rid of consequences, I'll have to give up my freedom." very insightful blog!!
i have never thought about that.