Life Notes: The Cost of Snap Judgments
by Erin Rockett, NCC, LPC, LMFT

Recent news stories described a lady who became wealthy after discovering a garage sale purchase to be priceless contemporary art. She kept her unattractive splatter-painted purchase despite urging from friends to dispose of the “ugly piece of junk”. Fortunately, she researched the piece prior to parting with the painting. While this turn of events may be an isolated incident, the moral of this story is readily applied to our daily lives. Snap judgments are often quite costly in terms of relationships, investments, purchases, and even our personal health.

How many times have we passionately debated an issue with friends or relatives, so certain of our position, only to later learn of the other person’s valid point or more accurate facts? Who hasn’t avoided befriending someone because of something distasteful in his/her initial appearance or mannerisms? Do we rush to cash in on the latest, hottest, investment trend only to suffer losses when bubbles burst on that particular trade sector? What about that flashy, late model auto we’ve just got to have in the new model year, or our craze for the trendiest fashions this season? And of course, most have read horror stories of traumatized patients who have undergone drastic medical treatments without seeking second opinions, only to tragically discover mistaken diagnoses or less invasive treatment options.

Obviously, the common unifying theme is the classic cliche – Haste makes waste. Or more proverbially spoken, be quick to think and slow to act. Proverbs describes wise people as having “hearts of discernment.” Thoughtless decisions become expensive in the end. Missed opportunities, diminished portfolios, strained relationships, and outdated wardrobes serve as symptoms of larger problems in society. If we return to the practice of mindful living, who knows what treasure awaits just around the bend?
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The Life Notes articles are written by staff of Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and are published in The Ruston Daily Leader.