Questioning Lessons, Errors, and Choices

 

“Wisdom comes from making mistakes, having the courage to face them, and make adjustments moving forward based upon the knowledge acquired through those experiences.”

-- Ken Poirot

 

What lessons are best taught the hard way?

The hard lessons. We learn best through failure, so it stands to reason that the harder we are taught the better the lesson will be remembered.

How can I live above my mistakes?

First of all, you need to learn from your mistakes. If you learn the lessons well, the chance of repeating the mistake will be mitigated. If you don’t have to concern yourself with repeating the mistakes, you have accomplished living above them. Just don’t forget the lessons.

How can a person become the leader he/she envisions without sacrificing his/her values?

If you envision becoming a leader without values, you join the ranks of most leaders whose sense of values blows with the proverbial wind.

Prove your worth. Do not ever compromise your sense of moral ethics for some win. Stand for your values. Do this, explain yourself to the people you represent, and you may succeed. If people desire corruption, they can find it in someone else. You, however, can leave these people with a clear conscience, knowing you have always tried to do the right thing for a good and, albeit, ignorant base. Remember who you have to look in the mirror and see.

“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

--  James Allen

Why can't I have a good day? Don't I deserve at least one decent day this year?

Don’t we all? Many people feel this way since COVID has invaded our lives. Happiness is a choice. I have found that if you strive to be happy always, despite your circumstances, every day will become a “decent” day, as you smile in the face of adversity. You will find yourself daring to dare life. “Is this all you brought with you? Nothing else? If you have more, bring it! I’ve survived all of this, so far. I am ready.”

Author's comment:  You got a point in the ‘don’t we all’ part. That’s understandable since covid is something that people don’t have decent days no more.

But I felt this way long before covid.

My reply:  The answer is still the same. It is what it is until it isn’t, so you have to make a choice that changes your outlook. Choose to be happy always, and don’t let anyone or anything tell you you can’t. Rise above it. You’ll be surprised how easy it actually is, once you make the serious and conscious choice to do it.

Who is good at everything?

Nobody. And, if they think they are, they really aren’t.

Why do some people perform their best when they have nothing to lose?

Because they have nothing to lose. Might as well throw all caution to the wind and go for the gusto. This is when most coaches can separate the wheat from the chaff. One has to work or play at the top of their game always, not just when the chips are down. Always give 110 percent.

“It is easier for one to take risks and to chase his dreams with a mindset that he has nothing to lose. In this lies the immense passion, the great advantage of avoiding a materialistic, pleasure-filled way of life.”

-- Criss Jami

What has experience taught you about the world?

Most of it exists on a wing and a prayer, and the charity of others.

Why do people live "fake it till you make it" lifestyles?

Many people don’t know how to make it any other way. They might “make it” but, sooner or later faking it will cost them dearly. I saw this with the corporation I worked for and warned the VP who to watch. Seeing through the bullshit as a corporate liaison was one of my talents.

Why can hope motivate us?

If hope was your last resort, you can bet your butt it would be motivation.

“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

-- Shel Silverstein

What financial advice really helped you towards a happy life?

Stay out of debt. Pay all bills at the end of the month, and stay out of debt.

Is living your life with a bare minimum the most sustainable form of living?

I’m living well within my means, and I want for very little. I can see how living with a “bare minimum” would be easily sustainable for those with no debt.

How can people share their lives in the different seasons of life?

I share my friendship when I’m a child. I share my love when I’m young. I share my knowledge when I’m middle-aged. I share my mistakes when I’m retired. I share my wisdom when I’m old. And, I will share the truth of an unwavering faith when I am dying.

“The only way to fully know the soul of a mountain is to live it’s all seasons and it’s all heights and the same thing is valid for people as well!”

-- Mehmet Murat ildan

Do you know you do not have to accept widely accepted beliefs and practices?

Yes, it’s called freedom of choice. You have the freedom to choose not to, or you have the freedom to allow yourself to accept, whether you really do or you’re being forced to. When you allow yourself to be forced, this, too, is freedom of choice.

I am super confused about my career options. What should I do?

Try writing them all down and listing the pros and cons of each. While you’re doing this, keep asking yourself which one really appeals to you. many times, subconsciously, you’ve already made the choice and it may not be the one the pro or cons determine.

Can something exist that does not cause anything?

If you noticed it, then no, because its very existence caused you to notice it. Even “nothing” exists, if for no other reason than to be filled by something. A vacuum will cause you to gasp for air. A nondescript boulder will cause you to step around it or on it, in order to get past it.

“Because reasoning about causes and effects is a very difficult thing, and I believe the only judge of that can be God. We are already hard put to establish a relationship between such an obvious effect as a charred tree and the lightning bolt that set fire to it, so to trace sometimes endless chains of causes and effects seems to me as foolish as trying to build a tower that will touch the sky.”

-- Umberto Eco

 

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.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com