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FIGURING  OUT WHAT MATTERS MOST

Monday May 4, 2015


Becoming convinced of something – whatever it might be – has always been challenging for me.

You can tell me.

But am I convinced?

You can demonstrate, illustrate and provide research to back your premise.

But am I comfortable saying ‘I believe it now’.

Intellectually this makes sense, but life and personalities so rarely seem to make much sense at all …

Going beyond our learning types, it isn’t about being visual, auditory or kinesthetic. It’s emotional, about drive, about analyzing our own behavior – watching ourselves in action, noticing when actions overrule obvious reason, when desires outsmart our ploddy-parts brain.

I decided something this morning – finally convinced of something obvious, watching my actions not matching my words – solidifying resolve on a project, reaffirming importance (without urgency) of another.

Never enough time.

That has never mattered much, has it?

 

Mark Kolke

column written/ published from Fort Saskatchewan, AB – home of my grandbabies Isla & Alex …

morning walk:  3C/37F, cloudy, light breeze, big arch in southwest sky, Gusta pulling just hard/erratically enough to wrench my tender-recovering knee &%%_*(&%@!%&+_{ but I’ll be ok; pass the painkillers and heated gel-packs please …

Reader feedback

ADVICE AND GOOD HANDS

Life has taught me that there are two kinds of people in this world: people with a teachable spirit and those who don't.  You can tell which category a person falls into by the way they receive advice, solicited or not.  A person with a teachable spirit accepts advice graciously and makes the decision to apply it to their lives or not.  However, they do listen to the advice and thank the giver.  Sounds like you encountered the not so teachable spirit.  GW, Bon Wier, Tx.

Hi Mark, Yes...to tell or not tell, that is the question. I think we all struggle with that. And being a Leo, as you are, I have had to work on keeping some things to myself. The acceptance of unsolicited advice probably comes down to the level of trust and the depth of the relationship. Most of the time, though, like the idiot who knows he is an idiot, I believe people usually know how their words or behaviour are being received based on the reaction.  But I guess you are asking if they change. People will make the change in their own time or not at all. Words are very powerful and words of advice can be life-changing but they have to be given with care and love. Otherwise, why bother?, CG, Cobourg,ON

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE

Are you suggesting we apply this carpentator philosophy to people that we meet?  Carpentator is the term my late husband applied to his profession; he also added the suffix 'age' to every word, same profession I guess.  Flame became flameage, etc.   Most people measure only once then cut the person out of their lives.  Most people deserve that second measurement as we all have a bad day every once in a while.  Our standards of measurement often come in the form of experience and I do agree with you, we are all different and therefore comparisons are completely unfair.  Now, on a Gusta note: we have a new puppy, 4 months old now, and my rather matronly Pomeranian is none too impressed with the flagrant youth of our Bella.  Bella got a new beef basted bone this week and Mischa found it.  You talk about not letting go.  It ain't happenin' baby!!!  GW, Bon Wier, Tx.


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