Member-only story
I Do Not Make Promises
Not unless I know that I can keep them.
A long time ago, I determined that if I made a promise, I had to keep it. Straight forward, direct to the point. If I say the words “I promise” then I will deliver.
That said, I determined that I would not make promises.
This is not some random avoidance thing, or a means to keep from doing things. It is extremely specific. If I tell you I will do something, I will do it. Or at the very least, make an attempt to do it. But a promise is more sacred and inviolable. So unless I know I can absolutely keep my word and deliver, I will not make a promise.
Life is full of uncertainty
Much of this idea of not making a promise I cannot keep is borne in the reality that the world is full of uncertainty. Just because you made a plan to do ‘X’ doesn’t mean circumstances won’t interfere with your plan.
You have control over only one person in the entire Universe. You. Apart from you yourself, you have control over nothing and nobody. Ergo, you cannot determine how other people will act, what the weather is going to do, or how the actions of another will impact people around them. You are only able to influence, control, and alter yourself and your circumstances in various ways.