Part 1 of 4
Ahh…the sweet smell of “something” coming from your radiator. Meh…you ignore it and walk into the store. While you’re in the store, your car is leaking “green juice.” You ignore it because hey, it could’ve been there from the last car, right? Right. The next day: same smell, same leak. Eventually, you realize that the “green juice,” also known as antifreeze, is coming from your car. But, it’s just a small amount each time, right? Riiiight. Next thing you know, the local meteorologist confirms the Weather Channel app notification on your phone that today is going to be a record high in your area! You hop in your car like usual and drive. Your eyes are on the road, but your temperature needle is rising on your dashboard. You’re almost at your destination, then suddenly, ut oh…stop-and-go traffic on the highway. It is at that moment your car decides to notify you (via the beeping sound) that it is overheating! The beep sends you into denial (just like the sweet smell and leaking antifreeze from weeks prior), but the smoke from your hood brings you to a quick and sober reality and now you are on the side of the road, stuck. I’ll spare you the rest of the details and just let you know that you now have to pay about $1,000 for a new radiator (parts and labor included).
Now, why did I tell you that random story? Well…because antifreeze is about $10. I’m going to drive my point home (no pun intended) but really think about that for a second…antifreeze is about $10! That’s important to know because had you recognized the signs earlier, you could’ve saved about $990, without calling a tow truck and/or missing work. The signs were there; the sweet smell, and the “green juice” leaks. Now, I understand that thousands of drivers out there aren’t car gurus. In fact, a good portion of people may not understand what’s happening when they smell that sweet smell from the radiator. Heck, they may not even know what a radiator is. However, anything leaking from your car is not a good sign. Don’t ignore the warning signs.
Ok, this series isn’t about cars, so let me draw the parallels here. Instead of leaking antifreeze, it could be a late night snack, or an unnecessary purchase of something, or a little white lie. These may seem like small things, but they add up before you know it. Late night snacks can turn into obesity or other health issues. Unnecessary purchases can turn into financial turmoil. Little white lies can turn into people losing trust in you. Sure, these are extremes, but so is a $1,000 new radiator, and trust me, mechanics will never be without a job.
Just like it is important to get a free diagnostic test on your car, it is even more important to do a free diagnostic test on yourself. If all of your exes are dogs or low-life scums, then perhaps it’s time to examine the common denominator (you). If you find yourself constantly removing toxic people from your life, then it’s time to examine your relationship picking skills. It’s tight but it’s right. Now, that doesn’t always mean that something may be wrong with you, per se. However, before the finger-pointing game starts, examine yourself. Make sure you are without fault first.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” – 1 Corinthians 11:31
In part 2 of this series, I will explain HOW to examine yourself. Stay tuned.
Phil
Dope Part 1 because it’s absolutely true. Self examination aka Self accountability is key to everything because everything starts with Self. And if Self isn’t right then nothing outside of it won’t be either. Keep going ??
Jason Tyree
Thank you Phil for reading, and you’re right. Self gotta be right!
Estina
The antifreeze analogy was spot on! There were sooooo many signs that I ignored about myself until it was too late. When I finally clued in, I used the expression “I’m leaking” to explain how all of what was happening internally was escaping (against my will) into the public. I’m grateful for the leaking though, because although it exposed some serious issues and cost A LOT to address, I’m better for it.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
Jason Tyree
No matter what stage you catch it, as long as you catch it before the “vehicle” is totaled, you’re good. Thanks for reading Estina!