A Butt Load of Failure Questions

 

"Once upon a time, an ass’s load was, well, how much a donkey could carry. The term was used in the Bible (according to this annotated Bible from 1832, an ass’s load was almost equivalent to 8 bushels) and it also appeared in one of Aesop’s fables and in arithmetic books through the 1800s. It seems the term started falling out of favor when people stopped using donkeys to carry things and as units of measurement became more exact."

-- https://thiswonderfulword.com/2013/11/25/the-origins-of-assload/

Why do people think I need approval but from anyone I pledge your love and loyalty to?

Truth be told, you don’t even need approval from those you pledge your love and loyalty to. You are pledging these for some valid reason. Does the valid reason change simply because they don’t approve? Probably, but it shouldn’t if your reason for pledging them is sound and truly valid. Their approval is really not required.

What makes America a successful country?

“What is the secret to success in America?” is not the same question above. So, I’ll answer the original question: Hard work, or the welfare system. Your choice.

Whether we’re successful, or not, going forward, depends largely on whether we fail to hold socialism at arm's length. Right now we seem to be failing at this.

Should I keep doing something that makes me miserable for being afraid there's nothing else I can do in my life?

If it keeps you being paid, yes. But, only until you find a better job. There is always something else you can do, just make sure it makes you happy doing it. 

“Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any misery, any depression, since after all you don't know what work these conditions are doing inside you? Why do you want to persecute yourself with the question of where all this is coming from and where it is going? Since you know, after all, that you are in the midst of transitions and you wished for nothing so much as to change. If there is anything unhealthy in your reactions, just bear in mind that sickness is the means by which an organism frees itself from what is alien; so one must simply help it to be sick, to have its whole sickness and to break out with it, since that is the way it gets better.”

-- Rainer Maria Rilke

What makes you consider something "work"?

When it ceases to be “FUN” and is assigned the new heading of “LABORIOUS.”  My marriage was "LABORIOUS" when it ceased to be fun.  Just saying.

How do you know if you have fulfilled your life purpose?

I wish they stop changing the original questions. No matter, the answer would still be valid: I’d be dead.

People say that giving up is the easiest thing to do, but is it? Could it be that someone has reached the limit after trying everything? What's your take?

Yes, but it’s still just a choice to give up instead of soldiering on. The choice, however easy it is, can still be emotionally difficult to accept.

“Do not give up easily, instead give up the thoughts of giving up.”

-- Kenneth M. Solis

Why do I always fail? Will I ever succeed?

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut, sooner or later.

What are you more motivated by, money, glory, or a sense of achievement?

I have little need for money as I am a simple man with simple needs, and my “glory” days are behind me. I suppose I’m motivated by achieving a goal for myself.

What course of action or process did you undertake?

In regards to what?

“It is context...that gives meaning.”

-- Harry Nicholl

What makes a person pick bad decisions?

Bad is usually easier than good, in everything. It’s what makes evil so enticing. Better that we do a little work and keep evil outside the gates.

Which protective factor has been the most valuable to you during difficult times?

Love and friendship of friends and family. The support of others has always been most valuable to me.

Is money your main motivator in life?

Oh, hell no! Happiness is my main motivator in life. If you aren’t happy in life, what’s the point? How hard is it to be motivated if you aren’t truly happy?

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Am I destined to fail? Although my passions and determination show no avail to my actual efforts. Am I wasting my time and what do I do with my life?

No, failure is the best way we learn. Failure is nothing more than an opportunity. What you do with this opportunity will determine your destiny. If you have passion and determination you are never wasting your time, you are simply learning. Maybe you are trying too hard, and being too hard on yourself. Take a break and relax. It is better to strive for happiness always and in all things, even failure, than to succumb to stress.

Each morning is the gift of another day in paradise and another chance to excel in life. Be happy always.

Will you be delighted and will you succeed?

I am so delighted, therefore, I have succeeded. True success is being happy at all times and in all things. If you aren’t truly happy, what’s the point in working toward a goal? Will it make you truly happy? Better to be happy always, and realize that any failure is just another opportunity to learn. Be happy in your knowledge.

What made me believe that I'm not capable of taking on difficult tasks?

Negativity and a lack of confidence. Take on the task, and if you fail at it understand that this failure is nothing more than an opportunity to learn. Critique your failure, see where you went wrong, and try, try, again. You only fail when you choose to quit.

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

-- Truman Capote

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