The Butterfly Effect

One of the things I have always found interesting is how one event, one action, one thought or perception can change or alter life as you know it. As adults we often say we want others to be honest with us regarding decisions that are made. But when we receive information and are forced to make a decision, are we really prepared for the consequences that follow? Is the practice of accountability for one's actions truly in place?

I just learned that someone was dismissed for actions that took place outside their normal routine. What's shocking is not the dismissal but the expectation that one would not be held to a standard as to have discipline and respect for their position. Have we become so jaded that this is our norm? To expect that what goes on in privacy has no effect on the light?

In any event, be it personal or professional, perception holds a lot of weight behind events that take place. The irony is that perception is just that, PERCEPTION. At some point in time, one has to step outside themselves and look at the larger picture. For the employee that was dismissed, did that person ever think that a small action would have such a large effect? At what point do we actually look at the consequences of our actions?

A while back, I watched the movie, The Butterfly Effect. The movie focuses on small decisions that have a large impact on the lives of the characters. The crux of the movie is focused on trying to get things back to the way they were originally. The interesting thing is, they never return. The parallel is the same with life. All we have are choices and decisions that lead to more choices and decisions. They all have consequences. We must be willing and able to live with whatever comes our way. To do that, we must be deliberate in our actions. This is a lesson I am learning. I am the person that 'shoots first and asks questions later' and some situations are not as black and white. We have a moral responsibility, an obligation to show decency and courtesy toward one another, otherwise our decisions are one after another, creating chaos.