Very disappointingly this week, I discovered that a leopard does indeed not change its spots. Several years and several chances later, time has proved that an individual can merrily and blatantly continue to deceive and destroy. More than irritating are the repeated (and completely meaningless) expressions of regret, sorrow and repentance. We have heard it all before and we know that in not too short a time, we will hear it all yet again. Have you been there on this life journey which we are taking together?
So, what are our options? We know that the individual will choose not to change, and will choose not to develop integrity, open-ness or honesty. We know that s/he will continue to make our life far less easy, less enjoyable, less comfortable. We even know that s/he will believe that somehow our tolerance equates to acceptance and even – depending on their degree of deluded arrogance – collusion. What shall we do?
The best and ultimate revenge is to live well. Refuse to be poisoned by bitterness or deserted by hope. Permit yourself 48 hours of mind-numbing anger – but not one second more. Hold your head high and walk tall. Remember that their shame (even if they are too arrogant and ignorant to appreciate it) is not yours! You are a moral, ethical person and that means a great deal in a world where those values are in seemingly short supply. Be all that you can be and leave your “leopard” behind – morally, mentally and magnificently, even if you can’t do it physically.
Live well, fellow traveller, live well.
