This is almost in direct opposition to my thoughts on “the secret.”
I also can’t explain it, but I’ve seen it often enough to believe.
The universe rewards a positive attitude.
On Positivity
On The Secret
A few years ago there was a movie, and a follow on book, called “The Secret“.
Oversimplifying, I’m sure, but “the secret” boiled down to something called “manifestation.” Basically, if you regularly envision or call to mind your desires, the universe will conspire to make those dreams happen.
On the surface, it’s bullshit. The top layers are even bullshit. But dig a little deeper and there’s an interesting kernel of truth.
On Trauma
I’m starting to notice that many more people have suffered trauma in their lives than I ever would have imagined.
I mean actual, life altering events that in retrospect we would refer to as trauma.
We are a damaged species. Each and every one of us, it would appear.
On Privilege
“Privilege” is a difficult term to define, and to talk about.
To some, it’s a derogatory term applied to those who have more than they do, or used to call out those who don’t behave as they “should.”
It’s not really a bad thing, but how we address it can be.
On Saving the World
One problem with the massive amounts of information, news, and advertisements crossing our threshold is the overwhelming number of people, animals, places, and things in need of our help.
Some day’s it’s simply heartbreaking.
The message is “You can help! Please help!”
Over, and over, and over again.
On Listening
I was watching a TikTok the other day where the person was summarizing something like the top 5 complaints women have of men. (I’m remembering poorly and paraphrasing to boot, but unfortunately TikTok makes it very difficult to go back to what you’ve viewed in the past.)
One item is something I’ve heard before, and thought on a great deal.
On Saying Yes
We say no too often.
Particularly after a lifetime of experience makes us cynical, it’s simply too easy to say no to new things and new experiences. Even familiar activities result in a “no” because they take us out of our increasingly sedentary comfort zone.
I’d rather stay home. I’d rather not drive. I’d rather watch TV. I’d rather be passive.
On Being Offended
Being offended is a choice.
Offense is taken, never given.
Oh, someone might try very hard to offend you, but actually being offended is your reaction. It’s not something foisted on you by someone else. It’s a choice.
Make better choices.
On Reading
ABR: always be reading.
This is something that’s been really difficult for me to stick to, and I know why. I suspect it’s a common problem.
It’s never been easier to always have a book with you. If you have a smartphone, you have a platform on which you can run Kindle or other ebook applications. You can always have a book, or thousands of books, with you, ready to read at a moment’s notice.
So why don’t we do it?
On Today and Tomorrow
Live for today — tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Don’t squander what you have, save for tomorrow.
Well, which is it?
As with so many things, it’s neither one nor the other.
On Money
Money is the root of all evil.
Uh, no, the lust for money is. The Bible is often misquoted. (See 1 Timothy 6:10)
Money can’t buy happiness.
Perhaps, but lack of it can certainly lead to unhappiness.
There are many pithy sayings about money. The problem is that for many people, that’s the extent of their understanding of how money works, and how to manage it properly.
On Exercise and Weight Loss
As it turns out, this simple statement is controversial
Move more. Eat less.
At its heart, it’s quite true. And yet…
On Judging
It amazes me how much casual conversation, and of course gossip, is about judging the people around us. Be it celebrities, neighbors, friends, or others, we have a pre-occupation with forming, and then sharing, opinions about their behaviour.
Why?
On The Fairness of Life
Life isn’t fair. Get used to it.
It just isn’t. Fairness was never promised. It’s not part of nature. It’s just not a thing.
And yet from the cries of a two-year-old, to the laws put into place by governments and other organizations, what is it we look for?
Fairness. Again and again.
On The Struggles of Others
There are several pithy aphorisms floating around the internet these days. Motivational sayings, aspirational reminders, pithy invitations to become a better person, that kind of thing. Most are like candy — short, sweet, but with little value.
There’s one, though, I find an important reminder.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.
On Marriage
I am supremely fortunate to be married to a wonderful woman I love, and who at least tolerates my quirks and habits and supports me in my various endeavors. As I write this, we’ve been married for 42 years (Groundhog Day, 1980, for those keeping score).
As I said, I’m an extremely lucky man.
And yet, I’m of a mixed mind on marriage.
Hear me out.
On Helping
It’s a common platitude: help others.
In fact, it’s common enough that it also gets dismissed out of hand.
Don’t dismiss it.
On Friends
Perhaps this doesn’t apply to everyone. Perhaps the extroverts, or some other personality types “get” this natively, but it’s something I wished I’d pay more attention to.
Treasure your friends.