I
liken it to something a naïve teenager might do—ya know, act impulsively. After
all, doesn’t the majority of a teen’s existence resolve around self-serving
wants with little to no thought given to how others might be impacted by their
actions?
But
as adults, we’re held to a higher standard—or so we should be. As adults, we
need to look at the big picture. Take into account how our actions will affect
all those involved, not just how they’ll serve our immediate desires.
There
are times when, as adults, we must look deeper. Take a stand. Allow certain
things to go down without challenging them in the hopes that—in the long
run—doing so will lighten the load of those affected.
Not
that we can stop those we care about from being affected. We can’t. Not that we
wouldn’t do everything in our power to stop them from being adversely affected.
We would. But life doesn’t play “fair.” As such, there are times we must let
certain things happen to those we care about in order to spare them further
heartache.
Of
course, there in lies the question. When do we remove our silence gag and
reveal what we know for the greater good of those we care about? Do we do so in
the short run and risk adding to their burden? Or do we suck it up, remain
silent, biding our time, aware that to wait might be in everyone’s best
interest?
So
many questions. So little time to figure things out. It’s at times like these
that having a crystal ball would prove most useful. But alas, we’re mere
humans, capable of foibles that cause us to sometimes make the wrong choices.
But
I hold firm to the belief that to carrying on without regard to how others might
be affected is just plain irresponsible, rude and immature. As such, I do the
best I can. Measure the information I have—at the time—and then make the best-informed
decision as to when and if to remove my silence gag and reveal to others
pertinent bits of information that I believe will help lighten their load. To
do any less, IMHO, would be irresponsible, rude and just plan immature.
