Lessons Learned

In this sardonic life we meet so many people, face so many adversities, enjoy triumphs at times and failures at others. There are orators who narrate their experiences in beautiful words, weaving a simple encounter into a happily ever after story, then there are people who have abused or have been abused and are here to tell their tales. My experiences in past couple of days have taught me to learn the right lesson from each of them.

It is so interesting to note that a single experience can have so many facades to it, which lesson you learn and carry with you is as important as to have experienced that encounter in the first place. Let me explain by a simple example:
I was driving through this road and a car was waiting to turn in my lane, no one was allowing that car to make a turn. I saw this from a distance and (even when I should have) I didnt make up my mind as to what I wanted to do, should I wait and let that person enter or should I just drive by since there were a number of cars behind me and slowing down would mean slowing all of them down. At the last moment I decided I needed to help this guy so what I do, I slam on the brakes which brought my Jetta to an immediate halt, the car behind me, couldnt stop in time and had to brake and go on to the curb. The car-driver for whom I did this whole circus laughed at me. I remember that sarcastic laugh often and think to myself, why did I do it. I not only jeopardized by own car but all also the driver behind me.

Initially, I took the laughter as a personal insult (here I was being helpful and there this guy is having a wonderful time at my expense), I decided not to help anybody henceforth. Let them wait till eternity for all I care. This was indeed a wrong lesson learned. As a very close person pointed out, I should be discreet while deciding when to help and prepare in advance. And it dawned on me, yes indeed, it is so important to learn the right lesson.

I still err in my judgement but I try to make a conscious decision of learning the right lesson not only from my mistakes but from others as well.