Questioning Boring, Bad, Marriage, Aussies, and Feelings

“I’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless; it goes on forever, inwardly, do you understand? The fact that you’re alive is amazing, so you don’t get to say ‘I’m bored.”

-- Louis C.K.

What is the secret of people who are never bored?

They have lots of stuff to do, but, don’t tell anybody. It’s a secret.

How can I know what I like?

You have to try everything. If you like it, you’ll know it. And, If you don’t like it, you’ll know it. This is not rocket science.

If you could wish something for an ex, what would it be?

True happiness.

What hobbies have you done, and what hobbies do you do now?

UFO and Sasquatch study, wood carving. woodworking, acrylic painting, and drawing. At 70 years of age, I have taken up paranormal investigations, with five guncases full of technical equipment.

Reader comment: Did you find any ghosts or angels?

My reply: I have several peculiar photos and have had some weird encounters. Shadow figures and some touching, as well. 

Do you believe in a talking snake or a talking donkey?

Only in the Book of Genesis and cartoons.

What are some common problems people face in their lives? Why do they have these problems, and how can they be solved?

Bad choices and decisions. “Why?” is the correct question, and asking it five times will solve each problem they face if they are honest in their answers. Look up the “5 Whys Method” and give it a try. Most of what we suffer from is self-induced by our bad choices and decisions. We can try to blame others for our own choices and decisions, but it really doesn’t wash. We are usually at fault.

"A Five Whys template provides a structured format for conducting the analysis. The template typically includes a series of questions or prompts to guide you through the process of identifying the underlying causes of the problem at hand. A basic Five Whys template might look something like this: 

• What is the problem?
• Why did the problem occur?
• Why did the reason in question 2 happen?
• Why did the reason in question 3 happen?
• Why did the reason in question 4 happen?"

-- 5 Whys: The Ultimate Root Cause Analysis Tool

What is the definition of "bad but not too bad"? Why do we say it this way?

Because the ship isn’t going to sink.

What are some common problems people face in their lives? Why do they have these problems, and how can they be solved?

Bad choices and decisions. “Why?” is the correct question, and asking it five times will solve each problem they face if they are honest in their answers. Look up the “5 Whys Method” and give it a try. Most of what we suffer from is self-induced by our bad choices and decisions. We can try to blame others for our own choices and decisions, but it really doesn’t wash.

How do you answer the question "Are you married?" without saying yes or no?

“Does it matter?”

What does it mean if you don't remember your first romantic partner?

Alzheimer’s, or I’m just getting old. Fortunately, at 70, I do remember her. Because she also broke my heart, for the first time. My wife broke my heart, for the second and last time.

What's a good answer to, "What are some things that make up who you are?"

My choices and decisions.

How do I make a risk?

Put $1000 on a “longshot” horse to win. Or, jump out of a perfectly good aircraft with a parachute you didn’t pack. What was the parachute packers’ state of mind? Was that their spouse you were with, last night? Think about that as you leave the aircraft. Personally, I’d bet on the horse.

“So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?”

-- Hunter S. Thompson

Why do people get married more than once?

Gluttons for punishment. I did it once, and now I’ve lived in “truly happy sin” for 20 years. A piece of paper doesn’t guarantee a meaningful friendship, honesty, or fidelity. All of this comes from the heart.

Why do you want to spank your child?

I don’t. I want to spank adults.

To what extent can a human will in a peculiar temperament be extended, which is to say how much can one resist a challenging reality?

If I don’t want to deal with a “challenging reality,” I can simply walk away. A person with a weak “will” might be enticed into the challenge. I’ve had enough challenges in my life. My “human will” tells me to walk away, and I do so with a big smile on my face. The only “challenge” I entertain is to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. 

How do I understand my wife more?

Try really talking to her. Ask her everything you want to know.

What does it mean when people say not taking the risk is the biggest risk?

You risk not attaining the goal. But, more to the point, you risk never knowing if you could have attained the goal. Not taking the risk is to never know the outcome.

How do people know what they know?

They learn.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

-- Socrates

Why do Australians not only answer questions with "yeah, nah", they sometimes even start a conversation with it?

It’s what Aussies do.

Can it be true that one should never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow?

Absolutely. Discouragement is counterproductive to whatever the goal is. If someone is slow, mentor them. Show them how to speed up and be more productive. In my military career, I was given all the people that would have been kicked out of the Intelligence field. This was not a good thing. I let them know the ugly truth of failure. I mentored them, encouraged them, and made the productive members of the field. Many of the thanked me for taking the time to save their careers.

Author's comment: Well answered, thank you! 

Can we solve our problems by using the same thinking that caused them?

Oh, hell no.

Do you think that our society is on the brink of failure?

Socialism works until they run out of everyone else’s money. Biden is eating through the money he prints at a record pace. Yes, socialist policies have us on the brink of failure. Democrats will be hard-pressed to blame this disastrous failure on Republicans.

Is it normal for a man to get pissed off every time his girlfriend does things without him?

It depends on the man. Please do things without me. 

Why is it often challenging for intelligent individuals to find a romantic partner?

They might be too busy being “intelligent” to take a little time to learn to be “smart” enough to find a quality romantic partner. When they do find one, I have a feeling they really don’t know what to do with them. It would literally be the blind leading the blind… unless the partner takes charge or has something on the side.

“I used to think that finding the right one was about the man having a list of certain qualities. If he has them, we'd be compatible and happy. Sort of a checkmark system that was a complete failure. But I found out that a healthy relationship isn't so much about a sense of humor or intelligence or attractive[ness]. It's about avoiding partners with harmful traits and personality types. And then it's about being with a good person. A good person on his own, and a good person with you. Where the space between you feels uncomplicated and happy. A good relationship is where things just work. They work because, whatever the list of qualities, whatever the reason, you happen to be really, really good together.”

-- Deb Caletti

Why do people sometimes pretend to be someone they're not or hide their true feelings?

They are not comfortable in their own skin. It is easier for them to be someone else, than themselves.

Can you think of an event in your life that you believe was meant to be, and left a lasting impression on you?

My motorcycle accident when I was in high school. It was a miracle that I lived through it, according to the witnesses. When I rolled my car in the military, The highway patrol said the same thing, and he couldn’t figure out how I was thrown from the car since all the doors were sealed shut from rolling. Everything came apart inside and was a mixmaster that would have cut me to shreds. That I was saved, was meant to be. It left a lasting impression on me to this day. And, as I approach my 70th birthday, I know in my heart that someone takes care of me, and I am eternally grateful.

How much do you know about yourself?

Enough to be dangerous.

Author's comment: Could you kindly provide me with the context or the specific content you'd like me to enhance? This will help me understand what you're referring to and enable me to provide a more meaningful response.

My response: Your response is not required, nor is any enhancement. My answer stands as a statement of fact.

What are some tips for developing a commanding or authoritative tone of voice?

Practice, practice, practice, especially in an auditorium or a meeting room. I did public speaking for 20 years of my military service. People who come to hear you speak will be looking forward to you being a commanding and authoritative figure that is there to communicate knowledge, so practice in a venue that will help you develop public speaking. I recommend you find a speech by Pres. Lincoln, Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt, or Ulysses S. Grant to practice with.

Do successful entrepreneurs quickly accept change?

If they don’t accept change quickly, they risk failure. I think successful entrepreneurs know this and stay on top of their game. 

What are your favorite sayings about kindness, empathy, and happiness?

Try these, by Gandhi:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”

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

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

-- Mahatma Gandhi

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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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 offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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