This Isn’t A Recent Thought, Just A Recurring One

Always beware the person who isn’t as foolish as they appear. They may just be being kind, and should you exhaust that kindness, you’re going to be in for a nasty shock.

Today’s Advice For My Son

Don’t ever believe it when you are told that stupidity is incurable, son. Stupidity can be cured, it’s just that the cure has to be self-administered.

I Didn’t Say It As Well The First Time Though

Today I introduce the phrase “poke the bear” to my son, and did my best to get across that while you generally do not want to poke the bear, if you do poke the bear, be prepared for the bear to act like a bear.

And Risk Without Reason Is Always Stupid

There are times in life when one must absolutely brave the storm, but you must equally absolutely avoid “stupiding the storm.”

My First Draft Was MUCH Longer

Rather than risk getting preachy about it, let me just say that sometimes the trick is to cycle among your stress-relieving vices so you don’t get too hooked on any one of them.

Something That Came Out Of A Conversation With My Son This Morning

Frequently the “boring” stuff is also the most important stuff.

Something To Keep In Mind

Normally, son, I don’t like referencing a lesson here when we covered it in person only yesterday, but this one is important enough I thought it warranted the exception:

Remember, whatever mess you make when you’re upset is the same mess you’re going to have to deal with when you’re no longer upset.

Just Remember That It IS Possible

Like I was telling you earlier today, son, the ability to see possibilities where others see none is incredibly useful, but equally useful is the ability to recognize the choices before you and being able to pick one. Ideally you’ll pick the best one, but sometimes there won’t be a clear “best one,” and you may still have to pick. This may feel impossible at times, but if you can manage to do it anyway, you’ll be at a level that most people never reach.

Step Five (And Six)

Now, to the best of your ability, go do the right thing.  Yes, people will argue with you endlessly about what exactly “the right thing” is, and that’s okay, but when it’s time for you to act, you’re going to have to be the one to do it, and you’re the one that’s going to have to live with what you do.  Remember that, and do your best to be your best.

(And my son asked me to add that it’s okay to hope, just don’t let hope become a form of denial.  He’s right too.  It’s not only okay to hope, it’s good to hope!  A ten percent chance of success, even a one percent chance, is still better than no chance at all, and if that’s your best option, better that you take it than just give up.  Just take those chances with your eyes open and as much as possible, a serene heart.  Remember, the Valkyrie don’t just pick from the winning side.)

Step Four

You pilot always into an unknown future; facts are your single clue. Get the facts!

– Robert A. Heinlein

(But remember they are clues!  Like I referenced yesterday, it was a fact no big animals lived in the area; that fact alone didn’t necessarily preclude the possibility of something big being in the area.  New facts come in all the time.  Use them!)