You can make a choice but you cannot choose the consequence. First one must examine the word "consequence,"because I know that for me it has a rather negative connotation. I find interesting how consequences are perceived as negative, yet they are simply the result of our actions, either good or bad. We often say "no" to people in complex ways or through our body language that relates disinterest. Why are people so lazy to communicate, so afraid to say what they really think? If we have no interest in spending time with a person or listening to what they say, can we not simply tell them so? It would seem more wasteful or detrimental to fake interest than to explain disinterest. Society has so many ways of saying "no" and some are so clever that they are not detected as such. "I'll see what my friends are doing"....."I've got a lot of things to do, but I'll let you know"...."Maybe, I'm really busy though". I'm sure we've heard one of these excuses and never heard from the person in months. As a society of constant communicators, we have developed so many ways to say no, but very for "yes." Often we say no for unjustified reasons or because it is our natural response to changes, opposition, or unfamiliarity. Instead of worrying what our friends will think, or how strangers will judge us, let us realistically examine the consequences of the situation. What detrimental results might come out of our actions?
To Women: Say yes to the boy who asks you to accompany him to the movies. He's not asking you to marry him, to be his girlfriend, or even to hold hands with him! If you are afraid of this, tell him "I'd Love to, maybe we could both bring some friends." What is the worst that could happen? The better question, What good could come out of this simple activity? At the very least, maybe you will see a free movie, make a fond memory, or create a new friendship. For all you know, that awkward boy may be your next boyfriend, or possibly soul mate.
To Guys: Dance with the lonely girl standing in the back of the room by herself because she doesn't have a partner. Maybe you don't think she is cute, but it's a dance or two, not a date auction! What could be the result? Maybe your friends hassle you, or call you a dork, but I can guarantee that you will make her night and leave her with the best impression. Maybe years down the road she introduces you to her sister or friend. Maybe her friend happens to be the sweetest and most beautiful girl you've ever met. Or maybe she is a perfect match for a organ transplant that you or a loved one desperately needs, years down the road.
To Everyone: Let us run and jump in puddles when it rains instead of running to find shelter and subtracting ourselves from existence. What are the consequences? A cold? Soggy, dripping wet shoes and clothes? Or maybe an excuse to invite a friend in for a cup of our favorite hot beverage. Maybe we stay up all night talking about a great book, and about our lives, our troubles and triumphs? See how we move from jumping in puddles to deepening a friendship? What would have been the result if we said "no"? That's for us to decide
It's amazing the potential that exists when we say "yes". We can know and control the outcome when we say "no," but when we say "yes," when we take that leap of faith, the result has such incredible possibility, far beyond our realm of expectations. I firmly believe that one can choose to make a happy life or a miserable existence. These are consequences based on our response the questions life poses offers us.
