The Gloriously Horrible Consequences of Doing the Right Thing: A Personal Reflection
The Gloriously Horribly Consequences of Doing the Right Thing: A Personal Reflection
Everyone speaks of the glory and noble act of doing the right thing. However, my experience at 7up was a stark reminder that sometimes, doing the right thing just leads to heartache and heartbreak. On a cold winter day, I trudged 10 miles to work and back, a task made even more arduous by deep snowbanks. A call to help a stranded motorist looked like it would be just a simple deed. Instead, it turned out to be a messy and humiliating ordeal.
As I approached, a pitiful plea from a little old lady through her rolled-down window caught my attention. She asked if I could help push her car out of a snowbank. Dirty and disheveled from the ice-covered earth, I managed to move the car, but the gratification she offered was far from heartwarming. She simply sped off, leaving me to walk the remaining 9.5 miles in mud and grime. While this experience was surely an unpleasant one, it didn’t deter my resolve to assist others in need. The tragedy of it all, though, is that this isn’t a rare occurrence.
Family Disputes and Financial Shenanigans
Another instance that brought to light the complex nature of doing the right thing was when I found myself entangled in family financial disputes. Every family, especially close-nested ones, has its share of disagreements. However, this situation seemed particularly draining and endless. There were outstanding loans that were being consistently ignored, adding to a growing financial burden. The worst part was the attitude of those involved. They seemed oblivious to the fact that while they might be comfortable, their situation was financially precarious.
Their singular focus was on maintaining the high-level social and professional positions they had secured through the efforts of their brother. Contrary to this, lower-paying jobs seemed disrespectful and demeaning to them. Yet, these very low-paying jobs could have provided a steady income and some respite in their predicament. Their stubborn refusal to consider any other option, even part-time, was distressing. Instead of appreciating the blessings of the comfortable jobs they had, they chose to dig their own graves with their high expectations and refusal to budge.
Time and time again, I tried to mediate and offer solutions, but their defensive and loud voices only seemed to escalate the situation. Voice raised, fingers pointing, there was no listening to a rational solution. This brought forth a heavy burden, as every conversation ended in a stalemate, with both sides unwilling to concede anything. It was clear that they were more concerned with their own positions than the well-being of the family as a whole.
Self-Reflection and Moving Forward
Though it’s natural to want to make everyone happy, maintaining harmony at the cost of honesty and integrity can be detrimental. In these situations, it’s important to reassess and prioritize the greater good. While the right thing might seem uncomfortably challenging, conceding to lesser options can often lead to long-term stability and contentment. The key is to find a balance between doing what is right and what is doable in the current context.
It’s crucial to recognize that the next right step might not be a glamorous one, but it can still be the most crucial. In the face of such challenges, it’s vital to keep the bigger picture in mind, even if that means taking on tasks that are less glamorous and more mundane. While it’s undeniable that continuous efforts to do the right thing can be tiring, they offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment that money and status alone cannot provide.
Lastly, it’s essential to recognize that sometimes, hurting in the short term is necessary for long-term gains. The refusal to compromise on personal values and integrity is what truly defines us in the long run. While this may not guarantee happiness and peace of mind in the moment, it ensures a sense of satisfaction and a clear conscience.
Reflecting on these experiences, it becomes clearer that while some might consider them gloriously horrible, these moments of doing the right thing are the ones that shape us and our moral compass.