The shadows on the street danced with the wind. In the quietness, I listened to Life’s whispers speaking to the shadows I often find myself chasing. Great ideas, intriguing prospects, and even questionable shiny objects are all in the mix. Looking back through the darkness, I find my view coming into focus with the benefit of hindsight. I did see clearly in the moment. My filters and guards that I use to protect myself were left unused. The lessons of the night’s walk are shaping how I see the day ahead.
The responsibility and accountability for my choices always remain with me. No excuses or rationalisation changes this reality. Even when I follow the crowd, telling myself metaphorically that “I saw everyone rally to the rule of this young successor to the king” (Ecclesiastes 4.15), whatever I do is on me. I can try to shift the responsibility to someone or something, even as my heart reminds me that the responsibility and accountability remain where they always were.
Discernment and thoughtful consideration are essential elements in my decision-making process. In an ideal world, I would have utilised both to refine and strengthen my values and beliefs, making the decision process natural and automatic. As I reflect, I find myself relying on the choices others are making as my guide. I bypass my awareness and learnings, repeating yesterday’s less-than-ideal words and actions. With care and attention to taking proactive action using the lessons life has shared with me, I can change what happens in the moment I have now.
My faith system is on display, even as I try to spin a different story to anyone willing to listen, including myself. I enjoyed pausing with the shadows, even as I wrestled with my options. I found myself taking a fresh look at my trusted influencers and advisors, considering who should remain and who would be better heard from a distance. I examined the guard rails I had constructed, reinforcing some and retiring others.
Night shadows dancing left me with a vibrancy marked by compassion, kindness, and care.
