Life is full of decisions and consequences. We all make bad decisions from time to time and that is ok. That is how we learn and grow. You can eventually recover from most mistakes. Unfortunately some mistakes are so bad they are almost impossible to recover from, if you can at all. You should always take a moment to think about the consequence before making any choice and decide if it is really worth the risk. Here are the four most devastating mistakes and some basic guidelines to help you avoid them.
1. Don’t kill yourself or someone else:
a. If you feel that something is so bad that you need to end your life, come to me. We can work through it together. I worked through a lot in my life and can help! I may be upset, but nothing you have ever done can make me angry enough to want to lose you. You are my life and I will help you!
b. Don’t drink and drive! Don’t get into a car with someone who is intoxicated. Make no mistake, a car is a weapon. It can kill you, your friends, and innocent bystanders.
2. Don’t do physical damage to yourself:
a. Abstain from sex when reasonable, be choosy when you don’t.
b. If you are going to have sex, use a condom every time. Most people spread disease because they don’t know they have it. It’s not a matter of trust; it’s a matter of safety.
c. Take a moment and think before you do something dangerous – Is the dare to jump off that bridge really worth being a paraplegic for the rest of your life? I’d rather be a coward who can walk.
d. Avoid drugs. I know there is an urge to experiment, but they really are dangerous.
· Injecting anything into yourself can easily kill you not only by OD’ing but just by doing it wrong, plus needles spread disease.
· Uppers can give you heart attack or stroke, even the first time you try them.
· Downers can make you suicidal (see rule #1)
· Drug addiction is a horrible disease and easier to get caught up in than you think.
3. Don’t let someone harm you:
a. Always watch your drink. Never accept a free drink from someone unless you get it directly from the bartender or it is in a sealed untampered bottle.
b. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk alone in dark unpopulated areas.
c. Always be choosy about who you are alone with whether it is in your home, their home, or a car.
d. Go to parties in pairs. Make a pact to watch out for each other. The designated driver should help the drunker ones make all decisions.
e. Always make sure someone knows where you are.
4. Don’t get pregnant until you are ready:
a. A combination of birth control (oral or other) in addition to a condom is always best. Once again, be choosy.
Of course these are just basic common sense rules. Remember, always try to think before you act. If you are in trouble, you should come to me. You would be surprised to learn how similar our lives can be and how much I can help. :) Other than that, enjoy life. It goes by far faster than you think!
Love always,
Mom
