For quite some time now, I have believed that the Universe has a way of correcting itself. Call it karma, call it cosmic balance, call it something else… but whatever you call it, I feel like eventually, what goes around, comes around. And, although the “correction” or “counter-measure” may not happen when you want it to, or expect it, rest assured, it will. In my experience, it always does. Let me give you an example of said balance in the Universe. The other day I opened my lower kitchen cupboard, and as I did so, my Pyrex glass measuring cup went tumbling out onto the floor, shattering into a zillion pieces. Of course, I had a slew of curse words, not only because I had to clean up the microscopic shards of glass that went EVERYWHERE, but also because that measuring cup is the most amazing thing EVER. Pyrex must have used like NASA spaceship glass on that model because it never got hot when warming things in the microwave. Even after boiling water for 5 minutes, the handle was cool to the touch. (And, go ahead and google that - Corning, the company who produces Pyrex, actually DID make heat resistance glass for NASA, including the window on Apollo 11.) Anyhow, it was late and I was in the middle of preparing dinner, so I cleaned up the glass and, in my hurry (and laziness) simply tossed it into the top of the trash can. Life went on, with me saddened over the loss of my 25-year-old amazing measuring cup. The next day, my son was helping me clean out the garage and we carried all of the trash to the curb, as the following day was garbage pick-up day. Man, did it feel good to purge and get stuff organized before the cold weather hits! Monday came and let me tell ya, it was a typical “Shmonday.” Between work business and personal junk, it was just not a good day. But then, my friend texted and asked if I wanted to meet at the park to walk that evening. It was JUST what I needed to help my mood and mental state. We agreed to meet at 5 pm. I’d have to run home, change clothes, then hurry back out to meet her on time, but it was no problem as I leave work at 4. Wouldn’t you know it, traffic sucked on the way home and I knew I was running late. Then, when I pulled onto my street, the garbage truck was literally parked RIGHT in front of my house, blocking my driveway and most of the street. After sitting for several minutes (what the HECK were those guys doing???) Finally, one of them flagged me over. I rolled down my window saying, “Sorry, I can’t pull forward. I’ll just wait because my driveway is being blocked.” He quickly replied, “Oh sorry!” He gestured to the other guy at the truck. “Someone had broken glass in one of the bags and he cut his hand pretty badly.” I inwardly cringed. Oh fuck. That was me. I felt terrible knowing I played a part in his hand getting cut and bloodied. Once the street was clear, I ran into my house, changed, and texted my friend an apology for being late and that I was on the way. (For the record, I also got stopped by an ambulance, a fire truck, and 3 police cars speeding to some emergency with their lights on.) See? The Universe taught me! My anger and sloppy way of cleaning up my mess ended in a random stranger cutting his hand while trying to do his job and between that, the traffic, and police and fire vehicles, the universe also aptly made me late to meet my friend. How many things happen in the world that we are the direct or indirect cause of? We really have no clue what the ripple effect of our actions, or lack thereof, may trigger. I bet it’s too numerous to count. When you think you don’t affect people, think again: you do. Our words, actions, sentiments… all have some kind of effect in the world and people around us, whether we see it or not. How we treat people and situations, is a direct reflection of our character and our compassion. And, you may never know how much you’ve positively affected someone, or how much you’ve hurt them. Wouldn’t you rather err on the side of caution? (Also, it’s called not being a d*ck.) Clean up the messes you make. Both literally and figuratively. Keep balance in the universe. Or, for my Star Wars fans, “Bring balance to the force.” If you don’t, the universe will find a way to balance the scales on its own, with potentially far worse consequences. Trust me.
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