When we see someone walking near us, are they walking away from somewhere or walking to somewhere else? It’s hard to tell since we are always on our way too. Walking away implies a need to change direction in the face of adversity or loss of control. Rarely do humans walk away from what we enjoy except in romantic comedies, but returning is part of the plot later on.
Escape can mean running away but does not necessarily denote another destination. Sometimes it’s just the need to get away. Toddlers escape the grips of their parents to explore. Young children make plans to run away when faced with circumstances they want to avoid. Young adults run away in an act to find themselves. Those in pain embrace the idea of running away to stop suffering.
Everyday escapes are less dramatic and mostly momentary avoidance. We busy ourselves with anything other than the most pressing issue. We know we will have to return to it and make a decision, but tell ourselves that a more careful consideration will result in a better outcome than a decision made in the heat of the moment. Maybe so, maybe not.
Returning mindfully gently permits us to move with more skill. The bumpiness of surprise potholes that might throw us off balance can be seen better and possibly avoided. But not forever; decisions delayed weigh heavier every moment. Stepping back seems like an adult solution to examine a situation but only if the step away is really used for that purpose and not just reluctance.
Everything in life is math or science. Problems can be solved but only when we look at them. Decisions can be properly made but not by avoidance. Looking squarely in the eye of the storm provides the necessary courage to tackle the question. It’s inevitable that someone else may make a different decision; but they didn’t, so go with yours. Maybe it’s like solving the last puzzle in the escape room. There is a way out. In fact, you were never really locked in permanently, it was just a game you were going along with. Gently bang down that next door.
Look for a decision you need to make. It doesn’t matter if it is big or small, they all take up the same amount of brain cells. Narrow the choices down to two selections and tell yourself you will always joyfully choose the second path. A fifty percent chance means that you are guaranteed to make the right decision at least half of the time. And you found your everyday method for making decisions. Your decision to make decisions will astound everyone.
Do you allow circumstances to make a decision for you? Then you made that decision to do so. Are you willing to make your own decisions and live with them?
