The Forgotten Promise

Often in our lives, we forget the commitments, plans, or promises we’ve made to ourselves and others. This occasionally happens when we don’t have a firm foundation set on our values and slip into mismanaging our priorities. Having forgotten about these things and being exposed for it can introduce self-doubt, mistrust from others, and harmful discourse within the relationships you’ve built. Our clumsiness and misrepresentation of our moral standing can distort others’ perception of us. The by-product of this consequence is that opportunities, loved ones, and even our own mental sanity can be stripped from right under our noses.It takes a level of character to either honor every commitment, plan, or promise you’ve made to yourself or the world, or to be a coward who’s afraid of persecution and avoids such responsibilities. Nevertheless, falling short of these expectations can be detrimental to us and lead to an impending catastrophic series of events. We mouth words which are meant to manifest our actions, yet what happens when these words have not been met? Our credibility in the eyes of others disintegrates like a grain of sand in the rushing winds of a storm.We are morally obligated to uphold these standards, and in the absence of guilt, our character is dissolving. It isn’t merely an accomplishment to meet these standards just once, but to meet them countless times. This is what brings a man his glory! Glory is not awarded to those who attempt but fail to meet the mark either. This is because the world does not care whether you tried your best; there are no participation ribbons past grade school.So, I say, it would be advantageous to your psyche if you refrained from over-committing to such avenues as promises. But one must ask themselves, what exactly is a promise? As simple as it may sound to most, a promise is a statement made about something that is yet to be completed, otherwise known as an affirmation or guaranteed manifestation.However difficult some things may seem, whether it be committing to a goal, a person, or an action, there is always a sense of urgency to fulfill them for those with a conscience, and for those who hold themselves and those they make these promises with in high regard. The forgetfulness and constant denial we exhibit may stem from our arrogance and selfishness. Still, it can also be attributed to our ever-changing environment and the distractions within it that taint us.Laziness, forgetfulness, and arrogance are distinct issues that branch off from one another but can all affect a man’s ability to commit to keeping his promises. Forgetfulness has already been addressed, but what differentiates this from laziness is simply not caring enough. At the same time, arrogance comes from a place of abundant care for the commitment, yet views the situation as a ploy to elevate themselves above others by withholding services needed by those who ask with vulnerability.In a sense, these are men who understand the totality of their actions and see fit to do as they please, while the lazy don’t truly grasp the severity of their inaction. An individual’s commitment is not only the 'bread and butter,' so to speak, of a relationship, but also the formula for one’s interest in life. We find ourselves at a stagnant point in our lives because we are not committed to anything, out of fear of change or adversity. Although these are common feelings of those who make such commitments or promises, it is best not to forget or brush past said things, as this inaction will always come at the expense of either your future self or those you make promises to.Remember that you’ve been burdened with fulfilling your words, or they will run empty in the eyes of those who regard you so highly.Don’t let them down.