Questioning Life, Work, Feelings, and Age

 

“My body had become that of an old liar, and my most spontaneous transports had begun to end in calculated maneuverings and delayed deliveries. It was no longer a question of self-esteem or pride; when I thought of breaking up with her, it was not to avoid some sort of discomfiture: it was a question of authenticity. I loved Laura too much to drag myself along on crutches in the wake of our love.”

-- Romain Gary

How does one reduce meaningless work and turn out effective work?

Get promoted.

Do horrible people at work ever get karma?

They’re not getting the clue. It’s why they continue to be so horrible.

What are your best tips on a New Year’s declutter?

If you haven’t used it in 2021, you probably won’t use it in 2022. Chuck it! I’m dumping a lot of shirts, taking up room in my closet, that I haven’t worn in several years. The charities will love me.

"Start in one room and throw out or donate anything that you don’t need. If you find that you have a large number of items to dispose of you might consider renting a trash dumpster. Even something like a 10-yard trash dumpster can help make the project much easier. Just think if you don’t throw it out right away, the unwanted items may find their way back into your house."

-- Lettie Goodridge

Is imposing what you want on others good or bad?

Imposing anything on others is selfish, and selfishness is never a good thing.

Have you ever wanted something but once you got it, you realize it wasn't what you wanted? Do you have doubts about it after you get what you want?

Yes, and I can’t even remember her name. I woke up, saw her, and the doubts were crushing.

Is it selfish to choose what’s best for yourself? I have learned that if you have two things, give the better one to another person so that would be a courteous act.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

What is at the top of your bucket list of things to do in life?

World cruise on an adults-only cruise line.

How do you stop regretting being a good person, being there for people who have never done the same for you?

Never regret being a good person. You will always do things for people who wouldn’t give you a second glance, but this is okay. Let karma take care of what they don’t do. You keep being a good person. The minute you start choosing who you do for, you have become selfish.

Would it look bad if I don’t attend my last ever shift at Primark because I’m embarrassed?

Always finish what you start. You have to learn to suck it up, sooner or later, so, why not now?

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

-- Dr. Seuss

If you were mandated, what would you rather be, the richest, the wisest, or the happiest?

There’s no reason to be anything if you aren’t happy.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

I’d like to say “sex” but, at 68, it’s a crapshoot. Bourbon.

How do you understand ‘thing’ in this question? Do you think it should be dropped out? “What makes it true that a person at one time is the same thing as a person at another time?

“Thing” is unnecessary.

"A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts."

-- William Strunk, Jr.

How do you keep your spirits up when all is not well?

It is what it is until it isn’t, so make it well. If you can’t make it well then you have little or no control over it. Don’t worry about things over which you have little or no control. Life is too short to do anything but strive to be happy always. If anything gets in the way of happiness, get rid of it ASAP. The alternative to happiness simply sucks.

Hypothetically, this experience of life is a game or a contest. What place on the leader board are you in?

I’ve finished, attained my goals, and am waiting for everyone else to catch up.

How do you take a stand in life?

When it comes to ethical behavior, grow a pair and hold your ground.

“Our freedoms are vanishing. If you do not get active to take a stand now against all that is wrong while we still can, then maybe one of your children may elect to do so in the future, when it will be far more riskier — and much, much harder.”

-- Suzy Kassem

Would you believe a conspiracy theory?

I was in military Intelligence for almost 23 years. You learn not to believe anything until it’s proven.

How do I not be a procrastinator anymore?

I’ll get back to you on that.

What do you hate the most about getting old?

The aches and pains of my misspent youth.

“You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there.”

-- George Burns

How did you bring joy or happiness to someone else this season?

Every night I make a point of going to have a couple of bourbons with my 88-year-old mom. This makes her happy. Hell, it makes me happy. She pays.

Do you die if you lose sperm?

What? No. Well, only if she kills you afterward, but we’re not spiders.

What do big feet on a woman mean?

Probably the same “fairy tale” it means for a man, but for a woman. It never hurts to dream.

"For men, it indicates big privates. If they have a big nose, broad shoulders, and big hands, wow, they must have something really huge in their pants.

For a woman, it is probably the same - a big-nosed, big footed woman, with large, broad shoulders, needs a man with the same outward proportions for her inner proportions."

-- Anonymous

I am tired of being poor what to do?

Become truly happy, regardless of your circumstances, and you won’t care.

I have no debt, live well within my means, don’t waste money on trivial crap I really don’t need, and strive to be happy always and in all things.

What are the most common sources of pain in life, and why?

Marriage. Why? Making a poor choice for a significant other.

Debt.  Why?  Making a poor choice for a significant other.

Are life and death just a shot away?

Life is already here. Death arrives in its own good time… unless you challenge it and lose. Free climbing a cliff face is a good challenge.

“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.”

-- Isaac Asimov

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