Below you will find a slightly modified extract from an article I wrote a few years ago (read the whole thing here). It may help you make decisions that are best for you.
You are free to choose but you are not free from the consequences of your choices.
At first glance, you may assume that this statement refers to choices between right and wrong in relation to morality. We all know that it is wrong to steal, rape and commit genocide but that does not stop certain people from doing these things. There are always negative consequences for such actions that usually do not happen immediately but they DO happen.
There are also right and wrong decisions that are based on your individual preferences and values. You weigh out your options based on these things in situations such as, choosing a job, a meal, a relationship, where to live, and so on. The word “compromise” may surface in these circumstances – more often than not, it is those around you who tell you to compromise for their benefit. I dealt with this issue in the following article – here is the relevant excerpt:
“Compromise has two main meanings which are opposites: the positive one, involves reaching some kind of an agreement where both, or all, parties in a situation are happy with the outcome, deal, etc.; the negative one, is related to compromising yourself – your principles, or your truth. Notice the word “promise” contained within the word compromise and this will give you a clue as to its meaning: the positive meaning, involves promises made to other people that must be kept; the negative meaning, is about NOT honoring promises made to the self.
So…the controlling types like to use the first meaning of compromise in order to get you to do the second meaning of compromise. Think about that the next time someone asks, or demands, that you violate your own standards, or truth, under the guise of “compromise.” If you permit such a compromise, then you have manifested the negative meaning of that word – it is a form of self-abuse. You have the right to refuse to be controlled by other people, no matter who they are, or what they promise you. You have the right to be free.”
Of course, doing what is right from a moral perspective and what is right for you as an individual, will bring you the best results. At the end of the day, it is your decision.
Helen
