Mistakes

The feeling of guilt is arguably the worst feeling a person can deal with.  It is haunting.  It is stressful and frankly makes one not really care about the outcome of well... anything.  Guilt is usually caused by a mistake that is made in the past where the recipient feels responsible for the effect.  We can take responsibility for things and add more guilt knowing that we made the mistake.



That person also tries to make sense out of it by conjuring up excuses.  This helps to relieve some of the 'sickness' felt and it is often the only thing a person can depend on.  It is a way to move on.  "What is done is done," "it wasn't meant to be," or the infamous, "it was the right thing to do."  These are all aphorisms that help people deal with the mistakes they made.  Often, people deny they made a mistake, especially to others.  All the while they suffer inside knowing that the guilt was really brought upon by their own selfishness, pride, stupidity, etc. 



The question is then, how does a person justify the decision?  In other words, to proclaim: it wasn't a mistake at all.  Can we all just throw out our moral responsibility?  Were things really determined to end up in such a way?  The answer is not easy and neither is the time it takes to get past the past, and make the future bright.  There is a solution.  Unfortunately, it is one that no one wants to accept.  Nobody wants to be reproached, but nevertheless, sometimes there is no other way.  Our authenticity in a strange way depends upon our pride.  However, we must be careful with each situation that presents itself.  They are all very similar but just different enough so that we can learn.



That being said, we learn from our mistakes--at least we are supposed to in hopes to gain an understanding.  All things and events come with the ability to learn.  So take responsibility for your actions.  If you choose to live a certain way, make sure it is on your terms because if it isn't you will be enveloped with hatred and jealousy and carved up by envy.  Remember, a mistake is only a mistake if one denies that they made one.

Gaining Losses

Sometimes when you think about it what we gain we essentially will lose at some point in our lives.  I know this sounds bleak, but nevertheless it is true.  When we die, we have to leave things behind but it usually doesn't last long enough to get there.  What is the solution?  How do we overcome loss?  In many Eastern Religions, asceticism is practiced and can be the answer.  Asceticism is the practice of self-denial.  If we deny our desires, then we can't be affected by the loss. 

However, this seems too strict.  It is true that our desires do compel us to make decisions and such.  Our wants must be fulfilled.  To deny these desires takes a very strong will.  But attaining things and getting what we want doesn't make us weak.  I think how we respond to a loss is the ultimate evaluation of one's character.  "Losing" is bothersome.  We all know that but if we are to think about attaining happiness, then loss is something that cannot be allowed to consume us.  The problem is however, is that through life we gain so much so fast without thinking of the loss that is ahead. We are too wrapped up in fulfilling a need that we can't recognize what life would be like without it. 

This becomes a vicious cycle of gaining.  Once we attain what we desire, we are only left wanting more.  I'm not saying that human beings can't be content, I am concluding that being content is very difficult to maintain.  There are many reasons why this may be, but I think it may just be something inherent in all of us.  We dream of a better life.  We have hopes and wishes that need to be met.  And if they aren't we might as well conclude that we are left in despair.  There must be a way to get what we want and be left with the satisfaction of accomplishment even after it is gone.

Patience

We have all heard the phrase: "patience is a virtue."  Why is it then, that hardly any of us are?  We always seem to be in a hurry.  We find ourselves saying, "I don't have time for this."  But I say, "look around, and be calm."  There is plenty of time in the day for a lot of things.  If you find yourself "running out of time" then perhaps you aren't spending it wisely. 

For instance, you are in a hurry to get home.  Why?  Home is home, it will be there.  Take your time and keep a level head.  "Slow and steady wins the race."  Nobody believes this!  Everyone in America is all about 'hustlin'.  Take the time to show gratitude.  Take time to relax.  You might just be happier in the long run and the people around you will enjoy your company more.  Most importantly, you will be walking to the "beat of your own drum."  Remember, nothing is more precious than the feeling of freedom.