I was reminded (several times) over the weekend that humanity is an imperfect species. People I know and respect made some very poor choices right in front of me. Things I could only shake my head about and wonder what they were thinking.
It served to remind me to think about what I’m doing before I act or say something that could be hurtful or downright stupid.
The thing is, it is our imperfections that make us interesting and beautiful. I may have shaken my head at the actions, but when I looked below the surface to see why they might have occurred, I’m reminded that ego can be delicate and perception is completely personal. I can understand the hurt that made the actions happen.
That isn’t to say I think they were the right actions, but they also weren’t mine to make. In many ways, since I was part of the group that the actions were directed at, I still have to deal with the repercussions, the long-lasting effects still will not be mine to live with.
In many ways, this was a very negative experience for me and a number of other people. Since the broader group weren’t aware of the specific details leading up to this, there were many tears and a lot of confusion. Feelings were hurt and a definite rift was formed in the group. Time will be needed to heal the wounds that were inflicted.
And this brings me to where I make this a learning opportunity for myself.
Beyond learning to think before I act, I have also witnessed a different dimension to people. A dimension that will make (I hope) my characters richer and more multi-dimensional. I find it interesting that some of the things I am doing with my character, Mik Murdoch in the current work-in-progress actually can benefit from my new insight.
As another author’s character who I truly love once said, “Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is trying to sell you something.” Perhaps a bit melodramatic (as it was intended to be), but still somewhat accurate.
Now, to take my hard-won learning and put it into practice.
We all have learning to do.