I have long held the belief that making the wrong decision is not inherently bad; rather, failing to make any decision at all is a significant mistake. Similarly, when it comes to distance, understanding is the shortest path between two people. However, both decisions and distance can become unexplainable when we consider the idea that one can only keep a secret if they are no longer alive.
Regarding decisions, I have observed that there is no harm in sharing your confusion with others to gather their opinions and help clarify your mind. Sometimes, when faced with a critical choice—like avoiding an accident on the road—decisions must be made in a fraction of a second.
As for distance, it is necessary to cover it in order to reach a destination. Yet, in real life, emotional distance can be more dangerous than physical distance, especially when it grows over time. A Punjabi couple expresses this sentiment well: “Je kise nu kush kehn da irada rkho tan dostro sunan da vi honsla rokho, Bahuta kreeb aaoge tan tut jaoge tusi, darmiyan apne kujh n kujh fansla rkho.” This translates to: “If you intend to say something to someone, then, friends, dare to listen. If you come too close, you may break apart; keep some distance in between.”
The distance between insanity and genius is often measured only by success, which can only be achieved through making decisions—right or wrong. When one has a motive, distance becomes insignificant, and laughter serves as the closest connection between two people.
Progress is impossible without making decisions, and it is essential to acknowledge that we are responsible for the choices we make in life. Once a decision is made, it is crucial to stop worrying and start working. It is not merely what we know that makes a decision good; rather, it is our actions in implementing and executing that decision that truly matters. Ultimately, it is our decisions that shape our destiny, and every choice reflects our understanding of who we are.
I recall an incident involving a preacher from a science-based religious sect who initially associated me with his group. Later, he distanced himself and decided to form another group, inviting me to join. I declined, reasoning that if I had already committed to one group, he should have consulted me before creating another. His inability to respond left me feeling distanced from him. Despite this, I continue to uphold good ethics and remain content with my decisions and the distances I maintain.
Frankly speaking, we often express our thoughts verbally, while at other times, we choose to keep them to ourselves. The key difference between judgment and distance is that sharing your thoughts invites judgment, while keeping them private fosters distance. Therefore, instead of allowing distance to grow, I encourage you to share your heart with someone. Doing so will likely lead to some form of decision.
