Well-Thought-Out Answers?

 

“Problems are not roadblocks, but exercise tools.”

-- Debasish Mridha

The well-thought-out:

Why does life seem to hand out a great thing to me, but as soon as I pursue it, life makes it impossible to achieve?

Life is presenting you with a lesson. Ask yourself, why do you “think” life makes the "great thing" impossible to achieve? When it comes right down to it, don't we come up with all kinds of reasons why we can’t achieve opportunities that are presented to us, instead of the real reasons that concern why we won’t?

We blame others for the roadblocks in front of us when, in reality, it simply takes a bit more work on our part. It is too difficult, others won’t let us, it cost too much, we’re too busy, yadda, yadda, yadda. What life presents us is the “golden ring” on the carousel, and, if you really want it, you really have to stretch out to grasp it. But, remember always, it is about the journey, not the destination. Strive to be happy always and in all things as you travel down your path.

Warren Buffet said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." What's a real-life example of this?

O. J. Simpson.

What's the most difficult choice you were asked to make while in school?

Join the military and serve my country, since I was called up to do so, or continue to achieve my psychology degree. It turned out that getting a “master” degree in military science satisfied both. I served for almost 23 years.

Do you value the idea of respect?

Yes, as the basis for understanding, tolerance, and, perhaps, acceptance.

How can simply standing on one leg tell you if your life is in the balance?

It says you have great balance, depending on how long you can stand there. If you only have one leg, it says you need a crutch. Your life, either way, might, or might not be, in balance.

“The speed of modern life is an oppressive thing, and the corporate world is quick to punish those with an honest heart. Qualities such as ‘nice, honest, kind, happy, relaxed, sincere, innocent’ are frowned upon as weaknesses. Yet these values are the essence of a good person. Unfortunately, if you don’t keep the balance, they can be lost like sand through your fingers.”

-- Fennel Hudson

If you no longer believe in anything and begin to doubt everything you know and have learned so far, does this mean freedom for new thinking or vulnerability of mind to be filled with something worse?

Either or both, something better, or all three. Since you no longer believe in yourself, anything goes.

What do you think of the phrase, "True freedom is what you find within yourself."?

If you don’t think you are free, you probably aren’t. The enemy can do much to you as a prisoner of war, but your mind will always be free to think. No one can take this from you unless you let them. Freedom of thought is always there and always yours. It is your freedom of choice to be submissive or to be free of mind. 

As you were having your clinical exposure in the ward of a government hospital, you notice the RNs were not providing nursing care to the patients, as you understood the core values the nurses must have, what do you do?

As a retired “master sergeant” it is incumbent upon me to say something and to report what I see. God help them if I’m the one not getting the nursing care. But, this is exactly why I don’t frequent government hospitals.

What saved you during struggling/hard times?

Faith, hard work, perseverance, belief in myself, and the moral support of family and good friends.

How can one’s initiative and faith bring one to success?

You must have faith in yourself to believe you can attain a goal. You need initiative in order to take the action necessary for attaining your goal. You also need perseverance in order to continue forward toward your goal in the face of overwhelming odds.

Through all of this, you need to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of the circumstances. If you are not truly happy on the journey, you will not be truly happy when you arrive. Always attain those goals that interest you and make you happy to do, or what’s the point? True happiness in life is true success, everything else is just a goal you attain.

“You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making.”

-- Stephen Richards

How true is it that people who have strong episodes of anger or depression can still feel a sense of well-being if they have a countervailing set of equally joyous or happy times?

Since my divorce, 20 years ago, I am never depressed anymore. I do experience “spikes” of anger and frustration, however, that last for a second or two until I understand why the person is a dumbass, then I just laugh it off. I am a constant “work in progress” for patience, God bless me.

Would it be possible to be ambitious but also modest in life?

As I approach 70 years of age, I can say I have been so for most of my existence. I have never needed much to be happy, but hard work, a goal to attain, and humble existence.

What is the secret to developing resilient teams and organizations?

One mind, one goal, common-sense rules, robust loyalty and support, and flexible organization.

How can I overcome periods of having a low opinion of myself?

Think more highly of yourself. You are who you are, so revel in yourself. Don’t try to live up to some standard that society or others set for you. If you are doing everything right, then your opinion should reflect this. If you’ve stumbled, this is life simply presenting you with an opportunity to learn. What you do with the opportunity will say much about your opinion of yourself.

Better you should simply choose to be truly happy always and in all things regardless of your real or imagined circumstances. To do anything else is simply counterproductive and simply sucks.

Who quoted “patience is a virtue”?

The Christian church? Patience is one of the “Seven Virtues.”

“Patience is a virtue, but there comes a moment when you must stop being patient and take the day by the throat and shake it. If it fights back; fine. I'd rather end up bloody at the end of the day, than unhurt with no progress made, no knowledge gained. I'd rather have a no, than nothing. I'd forgotten that about myself.”

-- Laurell K Hamilton 

If free media has resulted in widespread misinformation, then what possible solutions exist to remove profit as the primary goal of media?

The primary goal of robust media is truth. The secondary goal should be profit in order to provide the truth. The moment you lose the truth you open the door to failure.

Does mine or anybody else's suffering matter?

It matters greatly to those who truly care.

I have a big vision but I don't have any of the materials to execute it, please what can I do?

Work hard to earn the money to purchase the materials, or find an investor willing to throw money at someone who isn’t working hard to purchase the materials. You need to put your best foot forward if you expect investors, or anyone, to pay attention.

How will curiosity move us forward and give us knowledge?

Knowledge is the product of curiosity. We don’t move at all unless there is new knowledge from our curiosity.

Why do you break big goals into bite-sized pieces?

Big goals are usually comprised of smaller goals that need to be attained in order to move forward to the larger prize.

And... the not-so-well-thought-out:  

Are humans motivated by long-term rewards?

Not if she’s willing.

What got your hopes up but failed to come true?

I cannot remember her name.

What keeps your integrity intact?

Lack of immoral fortitude.

What is not a good measure of success?

Knotches on a bedpost.

What if you are the last hope for humanity?

We are so screwed.

“How can you make an informed decision about whether to save the world if you never leave your tiny part of it?”

-- Shaun David Hutchinson

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