Questioning Development, Adults, Life, and Rope

 

"If prostitution is the world's oldest profession, the love is the world's oldest problem, and it's a dodgy sport."

-- Scott Parker

 

The long answers:


Why does instability get a negative view, when it is a necessary element for one’s personal development?

How is “instability” necessary for one’s personal development, unless their goal is to be viewed as unstable?

What's a person you would characterize as a ''loser''?

Someone who stands in judgment, of themselves or others, to state whether they are losers, or not. By my definition, then, I have relegated myself to the very ranks of losers I was asked to characterize.

Why must we suppress our humanity sometimes to achieve our goals in life? I mean literally be immoral? Why?

I suppressed my humanity in the military, accepting the consequences of all-out nuclear war in order to use the threat of it as a deterrent to ever launching an all-out nuclear war. The deterrent was successful. The suppression of our humanity was the sin we accepted in order to prevent the inhumanity, the death of millions of innocents, nuclear war would represent.

“Immorality is the word we use to describe people that are not sinning the same way we are.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

What are the duties of the faithful towards priests?

Jesus washed feet. I wonder why priests feel they deserve their feet to be washed by the faithful? Are they so much better than the Christ? No, I think not. Priests should command no duties from others. They are nothing more than prideful servants of the Lord.

How do I get people I don’t like to leave me alone?

Let them know you’ve taken a firearms use and safety course in order to apply for your “concealed carry” permit. Then, show them the “concealed” pistol you carry.

Why is it that when an adult tells me I made a mistake, I feel like breaking down?

You need to understand, as they probably do, that a mistake or failure is the best way we learn. As such, it is an opportunity being presented.

Thank the adult for pointing out the issue, and let them know you’ll look into it and correct it, if possible. If not, you will learn why you made the “supposed” mistake, and try to mitigate it ever happening again. Be sure and thank them again for pointing out a “possible” issue.

If you investigate, finding you were correct and no mistake was made, be sure to point out to them that there was no mistake, but, again, thank them for their concern.

And, yes, I always try not to sound like the consummate smartass.

“There is nothing wrong with making mistakes, but one should always make new ones. Repeating mistakes is a hallmark of dim consciousness.”

-- Dave Sim

Can you live without the Big D?

I probably can, but I would seriously miss it. I mean, well, it’s been attached to me for 68 years. Granted, it isn’t as big as it once was, but I’d still miss it.

Should you fully give up if you haven't found a partner until 30? Because the older you get, the less you lust for life?

Not true! I’m pushing 70 and still have much lust for life, and things and people in it. You are only as old as your mind and body allow you to become. If something stops working, find a suitable replacement.

Is freedom worth a human being's life?

Only if the human being is the one preventing me from being free. If freedom is worth dying for, it is certainly worth the life of the one taking it away.

“You can say what you think. You can write what you feel. You can express your beliefs, your doubts, your gripes, your likes, your opinions. You can gain an education in any area of your choosing. You can chase after dreams and change them on a whim. You can bear arms to defend yourself, family, and friends. You can pursue justice from a jury of peers. You can do these things and more because numerous men and women have fought and died to protect your right to exercise freedoms. You can do these things because numerous men and women continue to boldly stand up and protect your right to be free. Never forget this. Never forget the cost of freedom.”

-- Richelle E. Goodrich

What is the youngest desire to purchase something really special that you finally did?

Mustang Ranch, Storey County, Nevada, summer of 1972. I was pretty young, and she was really special.  I had no idea you could go "around the world" and never leave the room.

What happened when you suffered a lapse in basic common sense?

I ended up married for 25 years. This is when I really understood that good sense really isn’t that "common" anymore. Good sense would have told me to bail before I ever said, “I do.” The problem was, I did. Her? Not so much.

Is becoming a parent an important milestone in life?

I found it to be so, twice. Then, there is also the possibility of becoming a grandparent, twice. Life doesn’t get much better.

“What it's like to be a parent: It's one of the hardest things you'll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.”

-- Nicholas Sparks

What is the best way to chain yourself to a pillar? I tried a rope and it doesn't make me happy enough.

Well, for one thing, you can’t “chain” yourself by using a rope. Chining one’s self is self-explanatory. You have to use a chain. Oh, and before you ask, you also have to use a sturdy lock, as well.

Why are new companies better at managing uncertainties than older companies?

Much has been written by managers in those “older companies” about how to better manage those uncertainties. Basically, the children learn from the adults, as always.

Looking back at yourself and life over the past few years, can you share something that you learned about yourself and in turn, now either apply it to your life or make sure it doesn't enter your life?

This was more than a few years ago, but it is still pertinent to your question.

After my marriage of 25 years failed, I learned I wasn’t a very happy person. I wanted to end life as I knew it. This was the very thought that turned my life around. Ending life as I knew it wasn’t about suicide, it had to do with changing a paradigm - me. My “self” had to change, from miserable to happy. 

I had no idea how to go about it, so I kept it simple. I simply made a conscious choice. My choice was to be happy always and in all things. I strive to accomplish this every day.

I start my day by thanking God for the gift of another day in Paradise and another chance to excel in this life. I start my day happy, and I strive to stay happy throughout. I have managed to do this for the past 17 years, and I see no reason why it will ever change. The alternative simply sucks.

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The short answers: 

Why is it that common knowledge is not that common?

Makes you wonder who is actually teaching our children, doesn’t it?

What would you tell someone who asks you to convert to their religion?

“Nope. Already have one. Thank you!”

Why did the guy who said he liked me storm past me and roll his eyes?

Inability to embrace rejection? Immaturity?

How do I stop falling for lies?

Stop listening to liars.

What sets apart a genius who is successful and a genius that isn't?

Desire to attain a goal.

Do you believe that you can do the impossible?

No, because if I could, it wouldn’t be impossible.

What is some good advice that deserves to be shared?

Stay away from any kind of debt.

What's your best shady life tip?

Don’t get caught.

How many times should I walk my dog every day?

How many times does it need to “relieve” itself?

Why do you believe that every person is?

Because.

Do people take freedom for granted?

Only people who have no idea what freedom really is.

How can I tell the guy who likes me that I like him too?

Repeat after me: “I like you, too!”

What should I do if my girlfriend asks me to pet her?

Call me silly, but, I’d pet her… like a cat.

What's the greatest thing about the mind?

The ability to store an infinite amount of crap.

How long will it take for me to build stamina?

That totally depends on how much work you put into it.

How do people get others to pay them for career and life coaching?

Advertise.

What are the short ways to make $20,000 cash?

Are you an attractive woman?

“The oldest profession is the most honest, for it exposes the bare bones of what civilization is all about. It's the root of all professions.”

-- Daniel Suelo

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