In Fairness

 "There is a fundamental question we all have to face. How are we to live our lives; by what principles and moral values will we be guided and inspired?"

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

"Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." 

H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American Author

In Ontario we are facing 4 more weeks of Stay at Home emergency orders starting today. Regardless of how we feel emotionally, or how wrong we think this tactic is to deal with the third wave of increasing spread of COVID infections, our government has imposed this "order" upon us; the citizens of Ontario (and  presumably most places have experienced similar restrictions imposed on them) These are "dictated orders" and as such can be enforced by  fines, and possibly by shaming and other means if we do not conform or "obey". (I'm not dealing in this message with the guilt I presume most of us would feel if tby not following this "order"  they happened to spread this disease or become really sick themselves)

This sounds straightforward ... but ... in this musing message I'm going over a dilemna I've been pondering for this last year which is about the decision making process we take to rationalize our actions and choices. When I say "our" I'm referring to those of us who have resources, opportunity and a conditioned belief, to some degree, in the rights of the individual to self determine how they live their life. 

The inspiration for today's quote resulted from a choice I had to make regarding this stay at home "order" that came into effect at midnight last night. Today I had scheduled a last day of hiking an hour north of here that I needed to do to complete a section of the Bruce Trail, a personal goal I had been working toward all winter. And after today's hike I planned to stay home and work in the garden, on the farm, do some writing, hike locally, you get the picture ... maybe... my choice is do I, for just one day, let myself blur of the meaning of the "order". There were lots of ways I could justify doing this hike, it followed most of the guidelines, and it would have less chance of contracting or spreading the disease than going to the grocery store or walking in a park. There was very little chance that I would get fined unless there was a complaint, the area is remote and the trees and frogs and snakes and wildlife that are awaking in the forest didn't seem to pay me much mind. But, there was a niggle inside. I found I was explaining to myself why it was okay for me to do this. My darn thoughts went to how lucky I am to even have this opportunity in non "order" times. 

Thoughts about barging through doors that close may mean doors that might have opened and other opportunities that might have been would never show up  began to seep into my thoughts. My mind was spinning and I couldn't sleep. Rolling through my head were things I justify like speeding, and things I can't justify like not composting and recycling. The question kept being how do I make these choices?? After a couple hours of sleepless spinning I gave up and listened to a talk on youtube, which usually helps me doze off, but the talk was dead on for my thoughts last night. 

The Answer to my question startled me into wide awakeness! I have an Ethical Rudder!! It is mine and it guides only me (you all have your own and it is your choice what you do with it) This guiding rudder is based on my experience, beliefs, conscience, environment, childhood, and education. It is the gut feeling that tells me what to do. The niggle!! And if I out justify the niggle, what I'm doing is weakening my Ethical Rudder. And if I continue to educate myself, and listen to my gut, listen to the world beyond me, read, learn, and hike in the forest and nuture my Ethical Rudder it can evolve. Ah hah moment, door opening, opportunity to grow, whoo hoo! 

So I'm going to hike local today, I feeds my soul, the niggle is gone and I'll be able to complete my Bruce Trail goal when the forest is awake and the world will send me more messages to share lol

Cheers

Jeanne

The Youtube video on IQ2 was Daniel Goleman on Focus: The Secret to High Performance and Fulfillment

Bonus Quote:

"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others."
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

About H.Jackson Brown Jr.

Wikipedia

Brown was born in 1940, in Middle Tennessee. Before becoming a writer, he acted as a creative director of an advertising agency in Nashville. He graduated from Emory University in 1962 and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.^[5] In 1991 he was honored as a "Significant Sig", an award given by the organization to its notable members.^[5]

Brown first published A Father's Book of Wisdom, which was quickly followed by P.S. I Love You, a collection of sayings and observations from his father and mother. The latter contains the famous quote on travel (see below) which is often misquoted^[6] as having been said by Mark Twain. Both were very popular and led to Life's Little Instruction Book, which was originally written as a going-away present for his college-bound son, Adam.^[7] This book contained 511 reminders about "how to live a happy and rewarding life" and became a best-seller worldwide. It has logged more than two years on the New York Times best-seller list, including more than a year at the number one spot. Life's Little Instruction Book was the first book to ever occupy the number one spot on the New York Times best-seller list in both paperback and hardback formats simultaneously. Live and Learn and Pass It On followed and also became a New York Times best-seller. "Live and Learn and Pass It On," was co-authored with his wife Rosemary C. Brown, who is herself an author with books like Rosemary Brown's Big Kitchen Instruction Book.

Brown's books have been translated into 35 languages. They have spawned calendars, posters, apparel items, daily journals, greeting cards, audiocassettes, screensavers and fortune cookies.

Cheers
Jeanne