The subjects of health and outcomes have been in the news a lot. Questions around individual behaviors and what follows lead to scrutiny and debate. No matter what one’s views of the individuals under the interrogation light are, I doubt there is anyone who would willing put themselves through this kind of examination.
My view of myself is heavily biased by my constructed set of perceptions, beliefs, and aspirations. My aspirations and intent are rose color glasses through which I see myself. The way I look at others changes the context in which I see myself. Even my beliefs, of facts, values, and priorities, are forms of bias that impact what I see in the mirror.
There is one measure I frequently struggle to examine, outcomes. Results often break down the façade blocking my view. Without constructions of my imagination, the harsh reality touches me in ways nothing else does! One cannot hide when one sees the pain the has come as a result of one’s voice and choice. When I look beyond my dreams and into the eyes of those around me, I am struck by what represents my best as well as the harm that has followed well intentioned actions.
Bad outcomes are opportunities to learn. Sometimes individuals wait so long that the next result stops them in my tracks, much like the time when “the ground opened and swallowed Dathan, then buried Abiram’s gang.” (Psalm 106.17)
The challenge then and now is breaking the cycle. What am I willing to do today? Is everything on the table or are certain parts of my life off limits?
To myself I am offering the following suggestions.
Be aware and be honest with one’s self. Listening to the voice within is a doorway to hearing the trusted voices in our life.
Take time to reflect and understand. Never presume one knows what one’s heart is saying. Extending the presumption premise to others only compounds the error.
Do something with trusted advice. One needs to break yesterday’s patterns. Learning and growth always includes embracing and implemented change.
