Thinking Before You Act

Thinking before you act is harder than it sounds. I mean really you HAVE to think before you act, but not always consciously. I think that is one of the things I don't like about myself. I really do have a tendency to leap before I look.

For example, my sister and her boyfriend and their two kids are currently living with me and my boyfriend. They were being evicted, they barely had jobs (my sister was getting two hours a week). My nephew hadn't gone to school in days because their car was repossessed and they couldn't get him there. They were on a fast track to Nowheresville. So I, being the big sister, welcomed them into my home. It's been a huge fiasco. I work from home and the nature of my job requires a quiet work environment. Tell that to a two year old! They didn't have a vehicle to bring down, so their search for jobs is not going well. My sister's source of income has been cut, they have no one else to help them but me. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I can at least help with a roof over their heads and food to eat but my boyfriend and I have financial goals as well. I just wasn't prepared to reap the consequences of my actions.

Another way I act without thinking is with what I eat. Being certified in Fitness and Nutrition I know that what I eat is total garbage. But it just tastes so good! I am totally guilty of eating when I'm bored, eating when I'm depressed, eating at mealtimes even if I'm not hungry, going through four to six cans of soda a day... it's like it's built into my subconscious to do that. I am proud to say I am defeating this demon and my body is thanking me.

It's weird though, that I also am guilty of the extreme opposite. When something is bothering me I am one to keep it bottled inside; think about it for hours, days, even weeks. Even then I may not share it. I think about it too much instead of just going with it. That might single-handedly be what destroys my relationships. But I can honestly say I'm making progress on this one too. I actually got out some things that had been bothering me and it was a huge relief.

In what ways do you act without thinking? Or think too much?