Questioning Small Matters

 

“The small things in life is the main source of happiness. Money will never be enough! As we get older our thirst for happiness will increase. A child will be happier than an adult simply because some of the small things that we overlook, they are making the most of it. Even going to the park that child will run around, play with the birds an feel great, while we as the adults might not find or see the joy in those things. Our mind may be focused on our next goal, on things we are having a challenge to achieve or simply worrying about things we can not change.”

-- Hopal Green

How can I become happy every day?

Happiness is a mindset. It is a conscious choice you must make for your life. Nothing can make you happy. You can try to keep any drama out of your life by simply not inviting it in, but ultimately the choice is yours to make. You must choose to be happy… always!

Can you finish the sentence, "karma is.."?

…a bitch.

As an active listener, what questions do you ask to show you are listening?

I focus on the communicator and try not to be distracted. I have no reason to prove I’m actively listening. I am listening, and this should be obvious to the communicator or you’re not. If you’re distracted, that is just rude. You should ask for a moment to handle the distraction. This will show you are actively listening.

“You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.”

-- M. Scott Peck

What should I do to deal with nervousness? Tomorrow we will be having a recap recitation regarding the past lessons we had last semester. I did review the material and tried my best, but I still don't trust myself. I'm very nervous to even join the Zoom meeting.

It is what it is. You reviewed and tried your best. This is all you can do. Take a breath, relax, and join the Zoom meeting knowing you are ready. If you fail, learn from the mistakes you might have made and be prepared to move forward next time. This is life. Of what use is your nervousness, other than to make you question yourself? Stop it. Time to put on your game face and go into battle.

What life advice is obvious but worth repeating?

Strive to remain happy always!

Is it satisfying to cook for one?

I’m half Sicilian, and it follows that I’m also a “foodie.” I love cooking for one. Unfortunately, I cook enough for four or five. It’s what Sicilians do, we can’t help ourselves. I usually share my cooking with the cigar bar when my significant isn’t in town. When she’s gone I really have the chance to experiment. Lamb is a favorite. Lamb Oso Bucco.

“No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers.”

― Laurie Colwin 

When people say you are not your job, job title, or career, what else are you and can you be?

I was military intelligence, a supervisor/manager, a billeting manager, a corporate liaison, a facilities manager, a purchasing manager, a construction manager, an artist, a medical center chaplain, a woodworker, a woodcarver, a husband, a father, and a grandfather, a soon-to-be paranormal investigator, and I aced the test to be a MUFON field investigator. I’m spiritual, philosophical, and I strive to be happy always. I can be whatever I want and, for the most part, have been. I’ve retired three times and, now, I’m simply tired.

What is a vague person?

Merriam-Webster says “vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.” Sounds like my ex-wife. 

When did you see someone you previously knew under the wildest and most unlikely of circumstances and it completely blew your mind away?

A girl I was secretly in love with back in high school. Come to find out, 50 years later, she was secretly in love with me, too. This is proof that it’s better to just throw it out there as see what bites.

“When you loved someone and had to let them go, there will always be that small part of yourself that whispers, "What was it that you wanted and why didn't you fight for it?”

-- Shannon L. Alder

What do you call someone who takes responsibility for their own lives, the choices they make and the consequences of their own actions?

Ethical. 

What is it that makes us not want to be aware of why we think or behave the way we do? What might be the reason for not wanting to realize certain things about ourselves?

Nobody wants to admit they’re not all that. We’re not. The majority of us are immoral, unethical, selfish cretins which make the rest of us question the educational systems in place. Members of the League of the Perpetually Offended would be perfect examples if I were one to judge, which I’m not.

What is your go-to for happiness?

As a grandparent, there is nothing that makes me smile more than the joy of children. Their smiles and laughter are infectious.

“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

-- Albert Camus

What is the difference between "small matter" and "little things"?

Little things are made up of numerous small matter.

 Why do you think that an excess of smart working could also damage a job or not?

An excess of intelligent working would be more apt to damage a job, due to overthinking the job. Smart working, on the other hand, will back off of overthinking, realizing the dangers of it. An intelligent person will have an idea and the smart person will tell them they’re overthinking it. It doesn’t mean the idea is bad, but the job is what it is. The next job may be a time to look at it. Smart people look at the big picture before overthinking or taking action.

Do you do anything else?

Yes, but I can’t discuss it in polite company.

“Thinking is generally thought of as doing nothing in a production-oriented society, and doing nothing is hard to do. It's best done by disguising it as doing something, and the something closest to doing nothing is walking.”

-- Rebecca Solnit

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.