I was reading a quote on a mug I own recently, which says, 鈥淲e are what we repeatedly do. EXCELLENCE, then, is not an act but a habit鈥�.
In a suddenly convicted state I must admit that mine should say 鈥� 鈥淭HIEVERY, then, is not an act but a habit鈥�.
Full disclosure:
Firstly, I do believe stealing is wrong. I was taught that, with full humiliation at a young age, when I had to return a small toy I had coveted at bit too much.
Unfortunately, more recently, it is apparent that I must suffer that same disgrace.
Awhile back, I was walking out of a large retail store (which shall not be named) when I glanced down at my rather full cart. Tucked beside my purse, a small bottle of nail polish lay, unbagged and unpaid for. As I quickly glanced around, relieved to see no security personnel on my heels, I picked up the polish and raced back into the store to confess my sin. On the way, I pictured the police 小蓝视频 called and my imagination soared with thoughts of the degradation I would suffer behind bars. Fortunately, as I approached the same cashier who had rung up my other purchases, she only shrugged, like it was no big deal at all. I was so relieved to be forgiven but 鈥� my kleptomaniac ways haven鈥檛 ceased.
As well as tucking things under my purse, for safe-keeping, I have apparently developed a bothersome habit of throwing larger items on the very bottom of my shopping cart. A few weeks ago, as I was placing bags of groceries into my vehicle, I initially felt convinced that I鈥檇 paid for the large vegetable tray staring at me from its low perch. When I reviewed my bill, however, it proved otherwise. My heart pounded a little but when I peered behind me, to see no-one at my heels, I debated 鈥� I鈥檇 been forced to stand in a long line before purchasing my other items and the parking lot was jammed full. So, instead of returning to the store immediately, I decided I鈥檇 pay for the tray the next time I shopped. This time the cashier looked at me questioningly when I handed one tray back, after paying for two, a week later.
If only it ended there.
More recently, I walked out of that same store with not only another vegetable tray, but a greeting card as well. When I returned (last week) not only did I have to explain the veggy tray but I had to find the identical card, pay for it, and then hand that back to the cashier. No simple shrug was thrown my way this time. Her disapproval was very apparent with the 鈥渢sk tsk鈥� I heard and, I learned, an eye roll is really more profound when wearing a mask.
I have now resolved to more thoroughly check all 鈥渃orners鈥� of my cart because I really would rather EXCELLENCE be my habit.
听
