I’ve been thinking about consequences lately.
If I eat well and exercise, I will be healthy.
If I brush my teeth, I won’t get cavities.
If I study hard, I will get A’s.
If I train hard, I will race well.
If I am incompetent in my job, I will get fired.
If I lie, people won’t trust me.
If I speed, I’ll get a ticket.
If I wear a mask, socially distance, and stay away from crowds, I won’t get COVID.
Wouldn’t it be a just world if this is how it worked? If consequences were predictable? If our good actions resulted in positive consequences, which in turn encouraged us to continue to do the right thing and our ‘not-so-good’ actions resulted in negative consequences, which in turn prevented us from repeating our ‘not-so-good’ actions?
Only it doesn’t always work that way, does it?
People who take care of themselves get cancer. People who disregard diet and exercise are healthy. People who study hard don’t get A’s. Incompetent employees have jobs. People who lie are believed. People who break the law aren’t punished.
Blah, blah-blah, blah-blah. (Make sure you read that right. I put the commas and hyphens in purposefully.)
I’m not even sure where I am going with all of this.
Life wasn’t meant to be fair. I have three adult children and taught school for almost 20 years. I’ve given that lecture peptalk many times.
Unfairness makes me feel judgy. Not an admirable trait, I realize, regardless of the fact I keep my mouth shut. (Most of the time anyway.)
But being judgmental isn’t changing anything. It’s certainly not making life more fair. (Besides, it’s not my job. I know that too. Doesn’t make it any easier though.)
Which leads me to the only thing I can change.
Me.
Understanding I’m not privy to the bigger picture.
Making decisions based on my own morals and values, focusing on my own actions, and accepting my own consequences.
Something to Eat
Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Ganache Glaze
by Gena Hamshaw of The Full Helping
It’s not too soon for another chocolate cake recipe, is it? I didn’t think so. Let me begin by saying Gena is one of my favorite people. I’ve been following her blog, The Full Helping, for many years. Not only does Gena create delicious recipes (she also just so happens to be a registered dietitian, food blogger, recipe developer, and a cookbook author), but her weekly posts are filled with deep reflections which I can relate to all too well.
Something to Read
Thick as Thieves
by Sandra Brown
I haven’t read a Sandra Brown book in many moons. Not that I didn’t enjoy her books, but there were other authors I enjoyed more. I was looking for a book that would distract me from life. This one did the trick. Is it the best book I ever read? No? Is it worth your time? Absolutely.
Something to Ponder
Everything we do has a result. But that which is right and prudent does not always lead to good, nor the contrary to what is bad.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It’s been a week. A week I would care not to repeat for a very long time. Here’s to knowing ‘this too shall pass’. I hope your weekend gives you time to relax, rejuvenate and connect with someone you love. Take care, my friends.
Karen Hovie Writes 
This one was short but really made me think. I too am judgy. This sometimes can make me so frustrated and I really reflected on your comment that it does not change anything only my additive BUT you are right I can change how and what I do and that is what I need to focus on. Thanks for sharing your blog.
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I feel your pain on this one, Sandy. I like to think that recognizing the problem is the first step in making changes. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate you!
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