Mistakes Take A Second, And Can Last Forever
Posted: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
by Susan Thom
Most of our mistakes take seconds to happen, or think about, while the consequences can last a very long time. Life altering situations can occur because of mistakes we have made, and may not have been aware of at the time. All we need to think about are the over populated prisons. How many inmates do you think took any more than a few seconds to decide to rob someone, or kill someone, and land in jail for life? How many robberies were supposed to be just that, until, in a split second, one decides to shoot the proprietors? That second cost them their freedom, along with having to live in jail the rest of their lives. The worst part were the people who were killed for no reason.
How many choices could have been avoided, and replaced with better ones had we only taken the time to think? Many, however, are not always in the frame of mind to think in the clearest, most intelligent way. Many more have never been taught right from wrong, good from bad, decent from indecent, appropriate from inappropriate, and their one second thoughts cause them and others, a lot of trouble and harm. Decision making becomes a skill that we need to incorporate into our being, until it comes as naturally as it used to unnaturally. Is it a good idea to throw that bottle in the recyclables, already filled with glass? If we don't question ourselves, we'll make the mistake, throw the bottle, it'll shatter, and we'll have to clean out the whole bin because they won't take broken glass. I guess you've figured out I've done so, but never after that first time! If you just have to have those last few weeds out of the cactus plant, think first. I've done it, and once again, never again. Learning from our one second thoughts is the key to not repeating the same mistakes.
Letting your dog off his leash while you sit on your swing and admire the stars, because you know he won't go anywhere, and three hours later, you're still checking the porch for signs of the little monster, are signs of a bad one second thought. (he's been on his leash ever since)Thinking the pot of tomato sauce won't burn while you go throw a load of clothes in, and your son stops you because the toilet doesn't work, so you spend time fixing it, and come down to the smell of burnt sauce. Dinner is officially ruined. A one second thought! I knew I needed more focus in my life. I was so clogged from years of one second problems, I had to try and figure a way to avoid continuing in the same manner. I wasn't paying attention to what I should have been, but instead I was thinking about all the thoughts swirling around in my head. I was nervous about making "mistakes" so I was making them steadily. I'd forget where my sunglasses were, or my glasses, and have to look for them all over the house, a very annoying task. Annoying enough for me to say, stop. Do what you have to do to get rid of everything in your mind you don't need. This, was not a one second thought, it took a lot of attention and work to train my brain to work in a better fashion. I was tired of looking for things. I'd even put things in a special spot so I wouldn't lose them, and then forget where the spot was.
I've gone for a two week food shopping, and found out when I got there, I didn't have my list. Now, that's annoying. Time to clean house. I got rid of all the thoughts that were doing me no good, and weren't important. This took some time to sort out, but it was worth it in the long run. I was able to focus more, pay attention more, and remember more. I made it a habit to put my glasses in the same spot in my bedroom, computer desk, and purse. I worked on only doing one thing at a time. I slowed down my pace. I broke my toe several months ago getting up too fast from my computer desk. I don't do that anymore either! I think more about what I'm doing and take my time doing it. Even if I type too fast, I just have to go back and fix all the mistakes. So, to avoid all the one second thoughts, I try harder. I think more before I say something out loud. I make sure it's what I want to say, and it will be given in the calm manner it is intended. Life is a trip, and we're on it. We might as well do our best, and avoid as much pain and heartache as possible.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)How true Susan, life is a trip. and we all make our share of mistakes as we go along in life. good articlePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi david,thank you for commenting.life is definitely a trip!have a good day,best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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