Lost Opportunity

As soon as I sneezed, I knew something was wrong. Looking at the droplets on my palm, I recalled today's NY Times article with chagrin. It recommends you cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your bare hands to prevent the transmission of viral disease.

This was yet another instance where habit overcame knowledge.

How many times have I struggled to change a habit, only to find that I slipped into it without thinking? How many times have I thought, "I know I shouldn't be doing this," and then do it anyway?

It took years - not days/weeks/months - to change physical habits such as biting my nails and it's taken me even longer to change my attitude and behaviors.

Along the way, I've developed forgiveness for myself and compassion for others. We are only human, as the saying goes, and therefore apt to make mistakes and repeat them despite their negative consequences.

But human also means changeable, which gives us much hope. Nothing is permanent, not even viruses.

It's time to wash my hands and try again.