Yesterday, while I was driving on the grounds of my daughter’s school, I was shocked to witness so many near misses and overall reckless driving. In fact, someone honked at me, and I’m not even sure why. To go faster as I changed lanes to get to the PreK lane, while ensuring the 1st and 2nd grade car lane did not cross over at the same time? Because cars from both lanes need to cross over at the same spot (don’t get me started :) ).

After the challenging experience, which I’ve actually experienced numerous times since my kids first started attending back in 2017, I was reminded of a lesson a D.A.R.E. police officer gave my 5th grade class many years. I recall him talking about consequences — that we should always think about the consequence of every action we take. What will happen? What are the repercussions? Of course, he said this in the context of motivating us not to take illegal drugs. But he also added that we could use this advice for every action we take (or don’t take) in life.

Somehow, I forgot about that pivotal speech until yesterday. I recall it guided me in many other situations growing up, not about drugs, but simply for other decisions I had to make. Now, I’m thinking about how applicable it is, not just with drugs or yesterday’s safety situation, but also anything we pursue in life:

What is the consequence if I don’t take this action — to work on my project?

What is the consequence if I don’t exercise?

What is the consequence if I don’t study for the exam?

What is the consequence of driving carelessly while four year olds are near my car?

It’s important to project the vision of what could or could not happen — the consequence — to make better decisions in the now. How profound and wise. I’m sure we often do this unconsciously throughout our days, but I’m also sure there is value to bringing this more to the forefront of our thoughts — to take a more active approach as we evaluate our daily routines. I will try to reintegrate this train of thought in my daily actions! My thoughts for today. Have a good day!

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Consequences