That Tiny Voice is Right

I did a bad thing today; I went to the grocery store when I was hungry. I was only going in for one item, and came out with four bags full. The minute I stepped into the store I knew I was in trouble. It was a foolish thing, I knew it, and yet I did it anyway. I thought it was no big deal and I could handle it. I was wrong.

That’s overconfidence talking with a side dish of stupidity. I knew better and yet I acted otherwise. Why was that? Why do we do things that we know we shouldn’t do, and then regret it when we have decided foolishly? I know it is a human weakness, I just wish it wouldn’t rear it’s tantalizing head so often. Temptation and poor decision making make a dreadful combination, and the grocery store is a very dangerous place when hunger is ruling your brain.

We learn lessons like these through experience. We know what could happen, and yet we think this time it will be different. This time we will defy our hunger and only buy the one thing we went to purchase…four bags later we leave. We feel we know better than our past experiences, we know what we are doing, and still we fail. Then we feel bad about ourselves. When I struggled with my own self image and self confidence I had a wise mentor tell me it was simple; stop doing things that make you feel bad about yourself. No matter what it is, every time you let yourself down you puncture a small hole in your self confidence. To build it back up stay away from situations that you know will temp you, and make good decisions. Be wise enough to know when to say when and turn around, or stop talking, and listen more. You know what works for you, so just do it.

I headed home, put away the groceries, and by tonight I had eaten a portion of the ‘junk’ I bought out of hunger. I laughed during each bite because I fell for it. I enjoyed the food but didn’t really need it. This was a reminder to myself to listen to that tiny voice in my head telling me to go the other direction. That tiny voice is right most of the time – bring a jacket, get your umbrella, don’t go into that store, get some cash, fill up with gas, go to the bathroom before you get into traffic. Today was a reminder to listen and act accordingly. Don’t get over confident, that tiny voice knows you better than you know yourself…and stay away from the grocery store when you’re hungry.