Questioning Minefields, Striving, Humility, Misery, and Losers

 

“The subconscious is a minefield of unwanted rote thoughts.”

-- Steven Redhead

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A note to my readers: I'm continuing to update the statistics for those who'd like to follow with me and we'll see where it levels off, which it doesn't seem willing to do.

The following was touted by the site I answer questions on as being "featured" in over 100,000 individual reader digests. The answer was posted on March 30, 2022, and, to date, has been viewed by over 375,400 people, and has been upvoted 4,927 times, and counting. I assume because it was "featured" this is a big deal, whatever "featured" means. I will contine to share it, as I get more information.  And, for those who haven't read it:

Did you ever get a request for a favor from a neighbor who never showed any respect or interest in you or your family? What did you do? 

The guy next door. He asked if he could cut down a rotting tree the raccoons use. Wanted to bill me $2000 for a $500 job. I told him not to touch it. He cut it down anyway, when I wasn’t around, then billed me $2000. My legal team, lawyers from Louisiana and Mississippi, both advised me to tell him to go f*** himself. You have to love Southern lawyers. I cleaned the language up and sent him a form letter concerning trespass, ignorance, and the fact that he wouldn’t be getting any money out of me. (Last lines have been updated) We don't talk, not because I'm not willing, but because he seems to think he's all that. He flies a Marine Corps flag. So far, I'm not impressed.

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Is the saying minefield or mindfield?

Minefield, and you don’t want to be in the middle of one.

Would you agree that this nation would be far better off if people would just mind their own business?

No. The world is our business, as we are to the world. If we stopped paying attention, we will be speaking Chinese in short order. The socialist and communist sympathizers may have us speaking it anyway, at least those of us that won’t fight for our freedoms.

What are many people generally thinking of the future, starting in 2022?

We need a new leader of the free world… while we still have a world.

Do you think your flaws are associated with your strengths?

Probably. There must be balance in the universe. For every strength, therefore, there must be a flaw.

What’s better in daily life, more thinking and less acting or less thinking and more acting because I cannot make the balance?

Acting without thought can get you in trouble. Thinking without action is a waste of creative thought. There must be balance, but in the absence of balance, I would go with thought without action.

“Avoid blind compliance. Ask questions.”

-- Mimi Ikonn

Should I always be positive?

Ask yourself, what does it benefit you to be always negative? People, in general, tend to balance the negative with the positive, even though they abhor being around someone who is always negative. Better you should be positive and be the light for all those around you.

What is that change you desperately need to see?

The President of the United States.

What are the downsides to a person being a striver?

They tend to become focussed on what they’re striving for. There is a real danger of losing sight of something else just as important, or more so.

As political rhetoric becomes increasingly unhinged, protests escalate, and law-abiding American citizens fear more for themselves and their families…is the public's patience beginning to run thin with the Democrat party?

Ya think?

Is it possible to be corrupt and a good person?

If no one knows about your corruption, then, outwardly you can act like a “good “ person, even though you are corrupt and, therefore, not.

“Power attracts the corruptible. Suspect any who seek it.”

-- Frank Herbert

Am I a bad person for giving kindness to people who don’t deserve any?

No. If anything, you are being charitable to those who don’t deserve any. It might just change them for the better. 

Why do I never mind losing if others lose too, but if I lose and others don't, I mind?

You don’t like being the only loser. Misery loves company.

Why is it important to cultivate humility and concern for others?

Pride is so less important than charity. I think most people, if honest, would say they are jealous of someone who is humble and doing the right thing for others.

What's your definition of success? Has it changed over time? 

Success is true happiness. You can’t purchase true happiness, therefore, when you choose to have it, it will be sustainable throughout your life as long as you do not change your choice.

We are taught, from the youngest age, that attaining a goal is a success. It really isn’t. You can be miserable while attaining a goal, then experience a moment of happiness that you are finished before you start the next task.

Sustainable happiness is with you always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. To be any other way is simply counterproductive and really sucks.

What is your go-to treat when you want to reward yourself for something? How has this changed over the years?

Pastry. Nope, always been pastry. Doughnuts, apple fritters, pie, cake, cookies, basically any kind of pastry.

"Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness."

-- Auguste Escoffier

Is it ever a good idea to be vindictive?

No. It might make you feel better, but vindictiveness is nothing more than revenge. Sometimes the karma that befalls the vengeful is worse than what befalls the person who we think deserves it. Better to be charitable and forgive them for being such a thoughtless asshole.

What happens when you see that everything around you is not happening?

I must become the impetus for anything I want happening around me.

Are we meant to be miserable?

Misery is a choice. If someone or something makes you miserable, you have chosen to let it happen. It is so much better for the soul to not allow misery into your life. If misery is thrust upon you, find a way to get rid of it quickly. Try giving it back to the person who gave it to you.

How do I know if I am actually striving toward the good and not towards something that merely appears to be good?

Research it. Know everything you can about what you’re striving toward. Unfortunately, people usually find out too late. It’s like taking a bite of cherry pie only to find out its rhubarb.

What does it mean to honor your parents? What are you supposed to do with parents who damaged you though? I mean do you not tell them what you are upset about?

Honesty is always best in the long run. I honesty fails, honor those who mentor you. If those who gave you life abuse the gift, then honor those who don’t. I am friends with a young lady who is always at odds with her stepparents. I have always mentored her and cared for her friendship. She thanked me, one day, for helping to make her into the woman she is today. High praise, and I was humbled by one who I love dearly. If you can’t honor your parents, then honor those who act like parents.

“Neither the Ten Commandments nor the Bible elsewhere commands us to love our parents. This is particularly striking given that the Bible commands us to love our neighbor, to love God, and to love the stranger. The Bible understands that there will always be individuals who, for whatever reason, do not love a parent. Therefore, it does not demand what may be psychologically or emotionally impossible. But it does demand that we show honor to our parents. And it makes this demand only with regard to parents. There is no one else whom the Bible commands us to honor.”

-- Dennis Prager

As a winner, why is it considered poor form to keep reminding the loser that they lost?

It comes down to rubbing salt in an opened wound. You won, so congratulate your opponent for a game well played, and leave it alone. To do anything else will put the hounds at your heels - everyone will want a piece of you and, sooner or later, you’ll be the loser. Nobody likes a braggart.

What part will an uneducated humble and loyal person play in an oil and gas company if employed?

So, a round peg in a square hole. Limo driver for the CEO? Mailroom? Security?

How do leaders cope with the fact that: "People who worship the king also want him dead"? Everyone wants the power the king has, so how does the metaphorical king cope, if at all? How do you handle people who admire you but also wish for your demise?

You don’t, or you become what they wish to kill. The best thing a leader can do is be a leader for the people. Be firm but fair, honest, and forthright. You don’t want their worship, you want their respect. Be ready to fight with your people to defend what you lead. You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. It’s just the way it is.

What is it called when someone steps in and lectures you on something (similar to preaching to the choir) as though they don't know that the nature of your situation itself has caused you of all people to know that life lesson better than they do?

Ignorance.

How can someone support your reasoning, yet prove you wrong? Is there a term for this?

Your reasoning can be very valid, but it doesn’t support the outcome. If a person always wins, it stands to reason he will continue to win? The reasoning is sound, but the odds are against them. The conclusion doesn’t follow sound reasoning. Non-sequitur, comes to mind.

“The great thing about ten-year-olds is they don't balk at non-sequiturs.”

-- Rebecca Makkai

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, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western 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 the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com