Questions with Short Answers... But, One

 

There ain't no answer. There ain't gonna be any answer. There never has been an answer, That's the answer."

-- Gertrude Stein

Why do most people not know how to be successful?

Most people don’t know what a good “work ethic” is. Hell, many don’t even know what “work” is.

Can you over-diversify your portfolio?

Yes. Pretty soon you’re diversified into the wrong things. Diversify, yes, but better to stay with what you know.

How grateful are you today?

Extremely grateful… I’m on this side of the dirt, still.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

-- Marcel Proust

What area of your life do you want to transform in 2022?

That middle section. I’ve got a bit too much of it.

Should trust be easily given or earned/deserved?

Trust should never be easily given, and it must be earned if it is to be deserved.

What is the aftermath of procrastination?

A “Pink Slip.”

“Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait – The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don’t count.”

-- Robert Anthony

How do I win every day?

Keep waking up.

Is it possible to learn good life lessons from a bad experience?

I’ve found the life lesson tends to stick better if the experience sucks. You never want to go through it again.

How can a person go from good to great?

Practice, practice, practice, and when you think you’re done, go practice!

“Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don't have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don't have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.”

-- Jim Collins

Are you lost or feeling hopeless?

I usually get lost, but I never lose hope. I usually carry a map.

Are you willing to risk more to gain more?

I do this in the stock market all the time.

What are your thoughts on Revelation 21:1-8?

A vengeful God. I will probably be at the lake, ministering to the damned.

"Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end, all his disciples deserted him. On the cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes."

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

How would you respond if someone told you the Covid vaccine just does not work?

What else you got?

What is the actual difference between "trying" and "doing"?

Trying is doing. Accomplishing is another story.

I am 34, lost all my hope, and just waiting to die. What should I do?

At 34, unless you have an incurable disease, waiting to die is counterproductive to the rest of your life. Every day on this side of the dirt is a good day. Every morning is another gift from God for another day in paradise and another chance to excel in life. Better you should get to excelling than to wait on death.

You can commit suicide, but you’ll probably end up right back here, learning the lessons you haven’t learned. It will truly be your hell on earth.

Just my 68-year-old opinion, but, you never really lose hope. Hope is just being ignored by you. You choose not to see it because you’ve chosen just to wait and die. You are making bad choices. What you should be doing is making better choices.

This is gonna sound a bit rough, but, you’re half my age, and I’m sure not waiting around to die. I got people to do and things to see. I’ve got a tumbler of bourbon yet to sip and a stogie yet to chew. Suck it up, youngster. Plenty of life left to live. Try making the most of it before you throw in the towel, and don’t dare throw it. Make the "red" bifurcated-tongued son of a bitch take it from you.

Author comment:  Hello Tony, I hope you have been doing well, I am the 34 guy who you have posted on his question, first of all, I appreciate your help, I was just wondering if you have managed to see the first post I’ve put additional info about my problem ?

When I try to post a comment on visitors’ answers my comments get deleted.

If a visitor can’t see the details, so what would be the benefit of asking a question without an understanding of what's going on. Thank you, by the way.

My reply:  It does not link to the other question concerning your issue.  You are so very welcomed, by the way.

Author reply:  Thank you for your answer, by the way.  I should thank God and be grateful to have a healthy body instead. Sorry to bother you. Best Regards

My reply:  You are no bother. Work on the mind. You have the time.

“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

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