Sitting On The Fence - sometimes, the side you fall on isn't where you want to be.

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. Now and then, we all sit on the fence. We all have a difficult time deciding or making a choice. However, sitting on the fence too long can be dangerous. Eventually, you will fall off. When you do and will, you may not have the chance to choose which side you fall on. Now, here you are. Stuck where you may not want to be. What now?

The beauty of life is that, in many cases, we can make changes—sometimes sooner, sometimes much later. Therefore, in the meantime, we're stuck with what we have. This can be avoided. However, only you can control it. Let's find out how.

SITTING ON THE FENCE:

"Sitting on the fence" is a common phrase used to describe a state of indecision or unwillingness to take a side in a debate, argument, or decision. People who sit on the fence often prefer to avoid making a choice or commitment, seeking to remain neutral and avoid conflict. However, this behavior can have significant negative consequences, personally and in relationships, work settings, and society.

The Impact of Indecisiveness is when individuals sit on the fence in personal decision-making, they may miss out on opportunities for growth, progress, and self-improvement. Indecisiveness can lead to stagnation, as individuals may feel stuck in a state of limbo, unable to move forward due to fear of making the wrong choice. This can hinder personal development and prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. This is especially true with politics and elections.

Let's look at the state of the nation now. Every poll shows the present administration's disapproval rate as among the lowest in history. Alas, we are in an election year. This is good because we can institute change. However, it is also scary because we never know which candidate will win. The stock market fluctuates more, expectations and anticipations run high, and many take a neutral position and wait. Hence, you are sitting on the fence.

For the most part, sitting back a bit and waiting is a safe bet. However, at some point, you must make a choice. Do nothing; you will fall off that fence and be stuck where you land. Getting off that fence takes some work on your part. You need to know what lies on each side, research it, and decide if it meets your values and goals. One side or the other will, or at least, come close. Nothing is perfect. Therefore, stop looking for perfection.

In addition, nothing goes one way. Politics complicates this further because we have a House of Representatives and a Senate. If they are split and belong to different political parties, getting things done for a President is much more complicated. On the flip side, if both have the same political affiliation as the President, the President's job gets easier. However, that can also be a curse because things can become one-sided. Therefore, as you can see, nothing is perfect. Consequently, it all comes down to compromise.

If you keep sitting on the fence, you are no longer part of the compromise; you become part of the group of people who get stuck where they landed. This is why voting is so critical, and every vote counts. That said, we should NEVER vote for someone because of gender, skin color, race, or any other reason. The only reason to vote for someone is because you believe they can do the best job and have proven or convinced you they can. This is why they campaign. However, campaigning has become a dirty business. Candidates lie about one another, bash one another, and spend less time on the issues. This is where you need to do some homework. Why wouldn't you? The next few years of your life, your prosperity, and countless other things depend on this choice, and this is your time to have a say.

For decades, brave men and women have given their lives and given up their lives for you to have these rights. Never dishonor them by taking your right to vote lightly. When you vote, please do not do it with blinders on. Don't choose one because your friends or family are voting for them or the news media tells you to vote for them. You are your own person. Take this responsibility seriously and make your own choices.

In relationships, sitting on the fence can lead to frustration and resentment from partners, friends, or family members. When one party consistently avoids making decisions or commitments, it can create a sense of instability and uncertainty in the relationship. Over time, this can erode trust and intimacy, leading to conflict and strain on the relationship.

In work settings, those who sit on the fence may struggle to assert themselves, make decisions, or take a leadership role. This can hinder career advancement and limit opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, indecisiveness in the workplace can impact team dynamics and productivity, as it may lead to delays in projects and decision-making processes.

On a larger scale, sitting on the fence on social issues can harm progress and social change. When individuals refuse to stand on important issues such as social justice, equality, or environmental sustainability, progress may be stalled, and injustices may go unaddressed. In times of crisis or conflict, neutrality can be seen as complicity, a sign of weakness. Failing to take a side may perpetuate harm or injustice.

HOW DO WE OVERCOME IT?:

Individuals must reflect on their values, priorities, and beliefs to overcome the tendency to sit on the fence. By clarifying what is important, individuals can make more informed decisions and confidently take a stand when necessary. Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals can help individuals navigate difficult decisions and build confidence in their choices. However, do not make their choices your choices unless those choices align.

Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness can also help individuals become more attuned to their emotions, thoughts, and motivations. By cultivating greater self-awareness, individuals can better understand the underlying reasons for their indecisiveness and work towards overcoming them.

I realize that some of these traits are easier to achieve than others since many of them are learned behaviors from our youth. However, if you are the type who always sits on the fence, you can change. Being decisive also reduces stress. Stress affects every aspect of your life: socially, romantically, and at work. It affects how others see and perceive you. People tend to gravitate towards decisive, confident, and strong people. As with all choices, you can choose who and what you want to be. How you live your life and make your choices. After all, this is a democracy. However, I would like to think that most people would want to change their lives for the better. Changes that will make their life better. It may not always make your life easier, but it will give you peace of mind—that sense of closure.

IN CLOSING:

While sitting on the fence may seem like a safe and comfortable choice in the short term, the long-term consequences of indecisiveness can be significant. By taking an active role in decision-making, committing to choices, and standing up for what is right, individuals can foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and contribute to positive change in their communities and society. We also must consider the examples we set for our children and the youth of our country. We start learning from what we see at a young age. After some time, what we have learned becomes a habit. Habits are hard to break but can be broken. The other thing people tend to do is preach to others. Keep this in mind. NEVER preach to others the things you do not follow yourself. If not, you have only become a hypocrite.

Setting examples for others and leading a decisive life comes with great responsibility. Others may want to be like you or seek your advice on matters. We can NEVER tell others what to do. They must choose for themselves. Everyone has to live with their own choices. Therefore, be a good listener. The most effective way to help others is NOT to tell them what to do but to guide them to figure out what they should do independently.

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Be safe, stay well, and focus on being happy. And remember to always: