Questioning the Path, the Past, and the Why

 

“Why do people kill themselves?

I think they do it when they can no longer find a reason to keep going. When nothing in heir lives is good enough to balance out the bad. And they do it when they no longer have the courage to carry on past some recent painful experience. They commit what is, in the end, a desperate, final call for help, that is hopefully heard in time by someone else.

And what if it's not heard in time? I ask although I know the answer.

Then they die.”

-- Mary Beth Miller

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Note to my readers:  Well, I just read my stats for this site I answer questions on.  Since the end of August 2020, my answers have been read 489,170 times.  Out of those, I've only garnered 1,033 comments.  Since the vast majority of these comments were negative in nature, that would mean that only about 1/10th of a percent, or about .11% of my readers, found it necessary to leave negative feedback.  I think my "ego" can live with that.  I'm certain my humility can  Just saying.

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Do you want to go back to the past?

No. It would be like watching another rerun I see every time I think about it. I’d rather stand in line for the current movie and be surprised by what happens.

Have we ever wondered why things don't go the way we expected?

How boring would that be? Hope for the best, but plan for “when things don’t go the way we expected.” Life is about learning to make good choices. If everything goes the way we expect, where is the learning?

Why don't all individuals get their character tested in life, by someone, or a situation?

I’m not all that certain they don’t. If your character is good it will withstand any test thrown at it, and you won’t find the need to brag about it, hence, a good character. If it isn’t, not many people would be honest enough to admit their character was lacking, hence, their less than adequate character. The rub is, every time we interact with others, everyone’s character is being tested by everyone else, so honesty is kind of a moot point.

“The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.”

-- John Holt

I don't know if I want to start university because I want it or feel obliged to or pressed to. I can't figure out what I want since I have been living a schedule up until now. What should I do?

Go out and get a job. Take some time to really get a feel for what you want to do in life; whatever will make you happy. There is no reason to just jump into university and waste good money learning what you won’t use. In a way, this is why I joined the military. I ended up making a career of it.

What are the major reasons people fail in life?

Poor planning, lack of incentive, and a poor work ethic?

Can one achieve success without the help of others?

Yes, but it is rare. It is really helpful to have a backboard to bounce ideas off of. Many people would dent they ever had help, but most would also admit to good advice along the way. That is help, whether they admit it or not. Education, reading up on the subject, and failure, is all considered “help” to reach a goal.

“A fine glass vase goes from treasure to trash, the moment it is broken. Fortunately, something else happens to you and me. Pick up your pieces. Then, help me gather mine.”

-- Vera Nazarian

Who has tried to stop you from achieving your greatest goal? Why have they done so?

No one. I learned, early on, not to pay attention to naysayers. If I failed, it was all on me.

Who is a successful person?

Who is exceedingly happy with life and who they are?

What is the most useful tip you've ever heard and had made an integral part of your principle in life?

No matter what happens to you in life, always be happy.

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”

-- Will Rogers

What is something that you tried so hard for but couldn't achieve?

Intelligence NCO of the Year. I was put up for it ten years in a row and was always runner-up. A friend of mine got stationed at headquarters and told me to stop letting them put me up for it because I was never going to win. It was all political. He knew, as well as I, that kissing that much ass was never going to happen. It just wasn’t what I was about, and had nothing to do with job performance.

How do I love the things I do?

If you know “why” you’d know “how”.

What can we do when we face many defeats in life but don’t want to be defeated?

Persevere.

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Do you know anyone who leads a simple life and is non-materialistic, uninterested in owning property, a vehicle, or lots of possessions? Why do you think they are like that?

I’ve met several elderly people that fit this description. They have learned what true happiness is, so they do more for others than they do for themselves.

How do you feel content on the right path? I am good at many things, successful, and have many unique dreams, but fail myself by feeling idle, useless, and less than what I’m capable of. Sometimes I feel like Caesar—chasing greatness or prestige.

Right offhand, I’d say you’re not on the “right” path. Perhaps you should consider another, “more right” path. 

Author comment: I own two successful construction companies, I’m a former Marine sergeant and combat veteran, I’m also a professional musician and artist, I’ve written two books, and I’m about to finish my masters. I’ve been single for a while and still just feel as though I’m just sort of floating without a purpose, doing random pointless things no one cares about, even though my time is always full of very “productive” things. I don’t know that I’m on the “wrong” path, I just want to feel like I’m working towards something meaningful. Maybe I am just alone. I don’t know. I was looking for an intelligent perspective.

My reply: My "perspective" is that you sound like you’re not on the right path. have success, a military career, you’re a musician, an artist, an author, and you’re going for your masters. A full life. You’re busy. But, you’ve yet to mention it, has all of this made you truly happy?

How do you handle doing something for a living that you don't love?

I don’t do it. I always find a job I will be exceedingly happy doing. It is why my first career lasted 23 years and my second one lasted 17 years. Always be happy in what you do, otherwise, you are miserable. Who chooses to be miserable?

"Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar." 

-- Drew Carey

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