CM Strawn 8/20/2021

Choices

          It’s after my bedtime, and I’m up writing. I haven’t gotten my allotted word count in today, so I thought I’d give it a whack tonight. It doesn’t matter much what I write about. Right now, it’s about getting words on paper or computer screen.

          There hasn’t been much time to focus on writing these past few days. Chores around the house and projects that are half-finished have had a chokehold on my time. I have been able to pry a few hours after the day’s work to work on the online business. It’s better than no time at all.

          Writers who have had far less time than I have used what little time available to them to produce blockbuster hits. Makes me wonder what kind of stuff I’m made of if I complain about my lack of writing time when I am retired and in charge of my time.

          It all comes down to choices. I make choices about how I use the time available to me. There are necessary things that must be done around the house. And there is discretionary time. How I use that time is up to me. Making wise choices is the crux of the matter.

Experience and Wisdom

          Wisdom is borne of experience. Without experience, there is no wisdom. It sounds like a descending spiral, but there is a valid concept to the cliche. Learning comes from doing. If there were never any mistakes, learning would be sterile. Blunders give the landscape of life character. Remembering mistakes and avoiding them makes life interesting.

Mistakes

          Some mistakes return to the memory in vivid, uncomfortable detail. The severity of the blunder may determine the level of discomfort. One thing is certain: that error will probably never happen again.

          Living with the pain of mistakes is sometimes difficult. Perhaps that set of circumstances will never happen again. So, what’s the point of reliving that experience? Maybe the lesson is that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.

Forgiveness

          Forgiveness is necessary for a full life. Learning to forgive others is a skill that may take a lifetime to learn. Mistakes made by others that have caused harm or injury may lead to resentment and a refusal to forgive. What happens when a mistake hurts others and regret is a constant companion? The desire for forgiveness from others may be denied until forgiveness is given to others.

          Life is imperfect and fraught with uncertainty. Perfection is impossible in a world where imperfect people live together. Wisdom comes from experience and mistakes. Forgiving others is crucial to achieving inner peace. But forgiving oneself is also important. There may be nothing to be done about fixing a wrong or offense done. Maybe forgiveness was sought and received, but guilt is a constant accuser. When everything that can be done has been done and the matter is settled, forgive yourself for the sake of your own peace of mind.

          This may be the most difficult lesson to learn. Guilt and shame can become an emotional prison, and self-hatred may feel justified – and even comfortable. But if everyone else forgives you, it’s time to forgive yourself and move on.