Questioning Joy, Luck, Peace, Creativity, and Trust

 

“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”

-- Tom Bodett

Why is joy such an underappreciated/unattainable commodity for so many?

We are born with joy, and then we misplace it. We still have it, we simply choose not to find it. Thus, we show no appreciation for it. Joy, or true happiness, is a choice each of us must make for life. We must strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of our circumstances. As a “choice” this makes our happiness and joy sustainable until the choice changes. Why would one choose to change this choice? That would be counterproductive.

How do I stop my parents from abusing me?

Parents abuse because they can. Take away their ability.

How are you not failing at life if people are saying bad things about you and how would you not go to hell if people are saying bad things about you?

If you are not the person they say you are. If what they say has merit, you have the choice to change. What people say has no bearing unless you see some truth in what they say. How you lead your life from that point says much about who you are and, more importantly, what your God thinks. It is never too late to see the error of our ways and change for the better.

What are some tips for dealing with everyday things you loathe?

Find a new place to hang out, or get a divorce.

How do I stand up for people?

Develop “courage of conviction” in your life. Develop a good, moral, personal code of ethical behavior you can stand by, through thick or thin. If you are willing to stand by your good and moral personal code, you are willing to stand up for people who cannot stand up for themselves.

“There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his friends.” 

-- John 15:13 

How can you become successful if you don't work hard and sacrifice?

Buy a lottery ticket, and pray.

Why do you think it’s so common that we can give great advice to others but are unable to apply it to ourselves?

“Do as I say, not as I do.” As a self-proclaimed hypocrite, I advise everyone not to follow my lead. Hypocrisy is not a good thing, but I use it to significant effect when it comes to the League of the Perpetually Offended. There is a special place in hell for those who stray.

What skills are you proudly a master of?

Supervision, management, and, to a lesser extent, writing.

How can I win the "respect" of people who are financially stable?

You don’t “win” respect, you earn it. You start by giving what you get or giving what you expect in return. Everyone deserves respect… until they don’t. You can respect the “office” and not respect the disrespectful idiot occupying it. 

Where does inspiration come from?

Your senses. It comes from something you hear, see, touch, or smell, that sets you on a path.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

How can a person who has found peace in life express it?

Not to the point of being a braggart. Finding true peace in life is rare, and is usually the forte of the elderly. Wisdom would advise smiling constantly. People will either understand the expression or ask why you’re smiling.

How do I have high energy around women?

Viagra. 

Would you rather be friends with your younger or older self?

Approaching 70, I doubt I have anything in common with my younger self. My older self, on the other hand, knows some ladies.

How do you deal with people who work longer hours than you?

Have an affair with their spouse.

Won't raising the minimum wage just result in inflation as employers pass on the higher costs to consumers?

Bingo! We have a winner. It will result in all that, and they’ll cut back on employees and have those that are left make up the shortfall, and the all “freebies” they get from the government will disappear. People fight for a raise in the minimum wage, but they have no clue what it will cost them in the end. Washington state is a good study in this.

“The government wants to fool you by doubling the minimum wage and at the same time doubling the money printing. If you look at it critically, they haven't solved the problem of escalated poverty and lack, which is why Bitcoin and other blockchain technology-related projects might be your safe haven.”

-- Olawale Daniel

When have you had to be creative in your problem-solving?

When I was in the Intelligence field. We seemed to be always thinking out of the box.

What are some ways to be social with someone on an airplane?

Comment on how short their skirt is, but how great their legs are. Ask if you can buy them a cocktail. Tell them holding a hand makes you less afraid of flying. Basically, every “line” that never worked on the ground. 

How could you develop a crypto game using emotional intelligence and generate cryptocurrency at the same time?

Considering what just happened to cryptocurrency, this might be a waste of time.

Author's comment:  The Cryptomarket is experiencing a lot of bad players right now, but it will come back. It turns out that not all the crooks are in the centralized bank system.

My reply:  Yeah, let’s go with that.

Do you think it is important for the entrepreneur to understand and develop all the problem-solving skills to manage a successful startup? Why or why not?

Yes. It is the difference between attaining a goal efficiently or falling flat on their face, just as efficiently. There is no substitute for the knowledge needed to be an entrepreneur if one truly wants to attain the goal.

Why do some people like me but others bully me?

Some people are just assholes.

“If you're horrible to me, I'm going to write a song about it, and you won't like it. That's how I operate.”

-- Taylor Swift

How do people use social media to like something?

Learn how to not have a life.

How can humans use their greediness to their advantage?

You can, but then you have to deal with karma. I’m not sure karma is worth the advantage, so I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.

Author's comment: No it's not my idea. It's sadhguru's! There is a video of him saying to use greed to grow/for our growth, what is your opinion on that?

My reply: Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. Greed is the root of all evil. But, far be it for me to disagree with a guru.

What's the best way to keep up with new discoveries in my field?

Read periodicals covering your field.

Why do I believe people easily, when I know well that I can't trust them, that I can't trust anyone?

You know you can’t trust them and, yet, you believe them. I’d say you’re knowingly gullible. I’m only knowingly gullible when a woman wants to have sex with me. 

How do I write a good accounting book?

Get a Doctorate in accounting with a minor in creative business writing.  Or,  do what Victor Hugo did:

“Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, forced himself to write by disrobing and giving his clothing to his valet with strict instructions that it not be returned until he had written the allotted pages.”

-- Wilma Davidson

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. 

I fervently 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