You always have a choice to get back on track.
We are fallible creatures. We set intentions to hop on trains to take us to new, life-enhancing territories, but then we’re derailed by a nymph outside, and we find ourselves jumping off course. Or, the wind simply knocks us down.
Harness these moments. Choose to hop back on, to heighten consciousness, to sharpen intention. Exercise the will to persevere.
This will, this volitional capacity, it is core to the beauty of humanity. No other species has such potential for self-awareness and personal power.
Embrace your imperfections. There is no right and wrong, good and bad, just your various choices all striving to meet various needs. Love yourself, and shine the light of empathy upon your errors. Then move forward.
It’s easy to regret yesterday’s choices. You can think, “I’ve already put myself in my current position, it’s too late now.” Don’t fall for the sunk-cost fallacy. It’s never too late until you’re 82, in a bed, about to die.
You can hop back on, you can even choose a new train.
As Penelope Cruz put it (2’) in the movie Vanilla Sky:
“Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”
Thanks for reading,
Joel
