Life is about choices. Boy, don’t I know it! We all know it. But that’s OK. Choices are a gift. Alfred A. Montapert was the author of ‘The Supreme Philosophy of Man: The Laws of Life.’ Written in 1970, Mr. Montapert was a peacemaker by nature. He is often quoted. And his quotes seem to resonate with people. Here is a quote from Alfred Montapert I stumbled across today: “Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.”
Are consequences a positive or negative thing?
I think some people may view Mr. Montapert’s quote for today in a negative light. Maybe it goes back to the use of the word ‘consequences.’ “Do as I say or suffer the consequences,” ‘Truth or Consequences.’ From TV game shows to dire warnings, a consequence has been construed to mean a negative experience. If we look up Webster’s definition, ‘consequences’ merely means ‘a result or effect of an action or condition.’ That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
But it is true. Life is all about choices. And when those decisions yield fantastic outcomes, we should celebrate. When they yield less than hoped for, we should celebrate. Why? Because those moments become opportunities to learn. To gain experience and build upon in preparation for the next choice that happens our way.
Staying in Minnesota – a choice with consequences
I made a choice years ago and that was to remain living in Minnesota. It is easy for me to sum up the consequence of that choice with an old high school football chant that goes something like this: “My hands are cold. My feet are numb. My hands are cold, my feet are numb. We’re – gonna – freeze!!” Indeed. But I like it here! No regrets.
All the choices: the good, the bad and the ugly
Choices can be simple things like burgers or pizza. They can be life-changing like switching career tracks or taking a relationship to the next level of commitment or foregoing a recommended medical procedure or proceeding with a delicate medical procedure. Heavy stuff. But all the choices in life are good and we should be thankful we have the freedom of choice.
I’ve worked with people that were in the throes of making some very hard choices. Choices about addictions. Sticky stuff. Drugs, alcohol and various behaviors. Maybe not the time to quote Montapert to the individual. But that is their reality – “to escape the consequences of his (their) choices.” These choices can be hard. It may mean finding an entirely new group of friends and cutting ties with the old ones. Tough stuff. Peer pressure is a real thing for us social creatures.
Let’s look at some positive consequences of choice. Maybe it is a financial choice. A decision to pre-pay a mortgage every month and reduce the mortgage term. Are there consequences? Absolutely! Eating more Mac & Cheese could be a consequence. Financial freedom seven years sooner, another consequence! How about deciding to take a vacation from winter. Consequence: fun in the sun!
Closing in on all the choices
So lets close this discussion down and get to the bottom line: Choices have consequences. Good or not so great. They do and we can’t escape them. The old saying, “You can run but you can never hide.” The Eagles tune, “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Consequences.
I hope this post served as food for thought. The importance of good decision making. Sometimes it is just a learning curve. Some people need to learn by feel and touch. Sometimes it’s defiance. Whatever the driver, we make choices – and we cannot escape the consequences of those choices.
Hey! This is my 50th consecutive blog post. That’s kind of wild. Drop a line and let me know what you think so far. Oh, and for crying out loud, if you haven’t been to RedBarnProject.com yet, this is something you must choose to do! It’s a simple click away. And to my readership, I thank you. You are a patient lot! Here’s to good choices for each of us and for each of us, Peace.
