Some people act like they are going to live forever. My father is legendary for quotes that have been imprinted on my thought process. Several of them pertain to ensuring that wise decisions are made by thinking about the consequences of one’s actions and how they will effect the people around them. Lately, I have been reading a lot of news (aka garbage) and the same story rings again and again. “I’m so sorry for my actions. I did not think about the consequences and how it would affect my family. Please accept my apologies.” Of course the apology will be accepted but why, why make the decision in the first place.

My common sense rings true. Every action, every action has a consequence. Even a man in a solitary hut in a remote place is making a difference. The simple fact that he is living there breathes hope that one can survive that lifestyle. Perhaps, when he dies, another will take the opportunity to replace him.  Who can know? But even he is connected to someone, somewhere, somehow. Can I say that no one is truly alone? No, but one can become connected.

Is it so complicated to realize that one person’s selfish actions can ruin the trust and the faith of the people around him. We only live so long and our life is determined by the choices we make on a daily basis. Choices to be great, have a great attitude, be kind, be attentive. Choices to be selfish, manipulative, dishonest, and rude. We make choices about our character, our language, our dress, our interactions and ultimately our motivations for living are shown through these actions on a daily basis. But, at any moment, it can change. Some options may no longer be available and change is forced upon us. Sometimes, we have personal awakenings and change is the language we embrace to attract difference in our lives. When words are coupled with actions, then the picture of truth should come forth. Technically. However, still there is a place for deceit when one can say the “right” things and do the “right” things. But in the safety of the heart, one knows that the lack of honest and the motivation is purely for selfish gain and evil.

So why not live like a person of grace, dignity, wit, and intelligence? Why not live like someone who knows that kindness is always returned to the sender? Why not live knowing that letting someone know that you love them is not an obligation, it’s a privilege and a gift. What’s the use of holding feelings and emotions inside to waste away. What good will that do? Why destroy the essence of one’s morality playing with fire and saying to one’s self “Oh! so glad I didn’t get burned today.” Who are we to think that all of life is in our hands alone? Shall we grasp so tightly that no one around us can share the joy of living with us. For in one moment, it can change.  So many thoughts and deeds can come to the light and we will be measured by the way we’ve chosen to live our life.

At this point, one may pause and say, I think I knew this already. But does it matter? Does it matter that one knows that we are tied to each other and what you do affects me? Does it matter that if you tell me one thing and feel another inside, you are slowly killing the possibility of real truth and pure love flourishing in any relationship? Does it matter that hopes and dreams that one swears by means nothing unless someone else decides to take a personal interest? Why make choices that ruin your legacy and leave behind the asterik? “He was a good guy but do you remember that he …” I plead with anyone who will listen, please don’t give me a reason for that “but.” Make choices that are befitting to the person that you truly are and the person you want to be remembered as in the future. Live in the present, most definitely. But, do not forget that the one day, life will be but a dream. Memories will be the only leftovers. Who wants tainted memories, soiled with poor choices, dishonesty, and misunderstandings? What if you’re not able to say that last apology or explanation or rationale for your behavior? It stands alone.