9. Justice
April 21st, 2008 by Bruce M
At a time when opportunism is everything, when hope seems lost, when everything boils down to a cynical business deal, we must find the courage to dream. To reclaim romance. The romance of believing in justice, in freedom, and in dignity. For everybody.–Arundhati Roy (The Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire)
Defined as:…
1… a: the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments… b: judge… c: the administration of law; especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity…2… a: the quality of being just, impartial, or fair… b (1): the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action… (2): conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness… c: the quality of conforming to law…3: conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness…
In my active addiction I did many people great harm including myself. When I got clean I had a strong desire to make some kind of amends to these people. I wanted to do what was right by and for them. I have found out that if we allow a person to have the opportunity to forgive us we give permission for a divine act. First I needed to give myself some forgiveness. So I was faced with doing the next right thing. What was my head saying? What was my heart saying? Was it based on a plan that included my supports input? Was it based on what my gut was saying? As I move along in my life, knowing what to do next is often a puzzle. I give pause, considering my options, sometimes moving with confidence, sometimes being moved to paralysis. Doing the next right thing is often not to do anything at all, in that moment. Looking at where I put my attention and energy is critical if I am looking to live a life that is intentional and purposeful. Achieving what I want requires decisions about how I spend my time and energy. I have learned that knowing what to do next is fueled by having a vision of what I want to achieve and a plan on how to do it. It all seems too simple. When I allow the vision to get out of focus, or the plan to stagnate, I lose momentum, clarity, desire and worst of all faith. Keeping an eye on the vision and actively planning, keeps me moving. I see this to be true with people I work with and myself. I continue to play with what is the right amount of planning. What is the right amount of free flow to allow myself to play with, and actually enjoy the moment? Determining what the next right thing is up to me! What allows me to move with confidence? How do I know what is the next right thing? What role does planning play in my life? What role does spontaneity play? What’s next? Who can really know what the right thing is? Most of us go along in life just trying to stay afloat from events that move us from day to day. Sometimes it leaves us confused, without any idea what to do next. Other times we know exactly where we want to go. I am wise to listen to my gut and keep focused on the things I have dreamed about and wished for. I try to hope and believe that the universe wants me to see those plans come to light, but I must also be ready to shift gears should my plans fall short of my desired results. And, yes, if I at least make a plan and work that plan, it is more likely that I will achieve the goals I design for myself. The hardest part is taking that very first step. All the planning in the world will not make it any easier. But without taking the step, all the planning in the world will take me no where. Small, consistent actions every day will take me where I want to go. Sometimes the next right thing for me is to, just stay clean…
Love and Respect, Bruce M.
