“When you get mad, your words make it seem like you have never loved me.” Ouch!!
I’ve been married for 32 years. Thankfully, this does not describe me today, but earlier in my marriage, unfortunately, it did. I was quick to react and was often remorseful immediately afterwards. Although, my husband forgave me many times, the words hit the target, and the damage was done. Reacting on emotions without thinking can be detrimental to your emotional and physical well-being as well as to those you love.
When was the last time you said something you quickly regretted and wished you could have erased the damaging words from the memory of the targeted person?
Or when was the last time you quickly sent a damaging missive via email, a text, or Instagram as an emotional response and wished there was a button that could have intercepted the hurtful missive before it landed in the intended target’s message box?
After a period of rational, calm thinking, there is often regret when we have reacted quickly in a crisis and made irreversible decisions based on what we were feeling in the moment. However, when we are not facing a crisis and there is a decision to be made, taking the time to ponder the pros and cons, to talk to trusted friends, to research information, and to pause and consider all of your options rationally before deciding on a course of action can prove to be empowering and leaves little regret.
What about you?
Have you hurt someone or yourself because of careless words or actions? Did you quickly choose a college to attend without a thought to location or programs offered? Do you carelessly and quickly schedule your college courses for the semester without considering what you need to graduate? Did you give careful thought as to whom you would share an apartment? Not doing so could cause much regret and have disappointing consequences.
If you are pregnant and you are not sure what to do, just pause.
There are several options available for you. Avoid making a quick, emotional, and irreversible decision that you may later regret and wish you could retract. Talking to someone about your choices and your situation often provides perspective that can help you make an informed, thoughtful, and rational decision. When facing an unplanned pregnancy, none of your options will be easy or simple, so taking the time to consider the facts will be worthwhile.
GATEWAY offers free pregnancy testing and free education on all of your options. You may also qualify for a free limited ultrasound which will provide important information as you ponder your decision.
Sometimes, necessity demands an immediate reaction, for example, when a life is in danger comes to mind. Making an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy necessitates receiving and giving thought to all the facts. The choice is yours.
GATEWAY’S client advocates and nurses are here to educate and support you. As one of our clients said, “There is no judgement here.” We are here to listen and provide you with a warm, safe environment to share confidentially what fears and obstacles you are facing.
You are not alone.
