Very hopeful that you are right about what will be the ultimate outcome of the Title IX fiasco! Pain is a very, very real motivator; I've read that only severe suffering causes any real changes in an individual, and in my life, I've proved that observation correct. I have no doubt that quite a few people will suffer as a result of Biden's directives. I can only hope that the suffering is widespread enough to cause a change.
Isn’t that one of the issues? Rather than force people through pain to get to a better state we just celebrate and reinforce their poor mental and/or physical state. But this isn’t being done out of misguided “caring.” It’s being driven by evil. Allowing and facilitating a person drugged out and living in their own excrement or someone suffering from the effects of being 400 pounds is how these lowlifes get their jollies. And in the case of many non profits and NGOs make a financial fortune.
When I recently cut off contact with my family, the image that kept coming to mind was an animal gnawing off a limb. There's no way out of a relationship with a cluster B, especially family, without taking damage. It's reasonable to want to avoid that damage. But at a certain point it's better than what you face by not doing it.
Paraphrasing Roger Ebert on hangovers: If you woke up and felt the way you do with a hangover without knowing the reason why you felt that way, you would go straight to the nearest emergency room and announce that you were dying.
So true. In my younger days, I had some hangovers that lasted three or four days of misery. Don't know why the hell I drank so much back then, but I'm so glad I never do now.
That is because, scientifically / medically, alcohol is truly a poison. It’s just that most people survive it to a significant extent. But it still slowly kills you.
I don’t remember you previously mentioning your freedom from alcohol, since I subscribed. But it would not surprise me if you had, considering my poor memory and attention deficit. Also I’ve been remiss about reading old posts of those I’ve subscribed to.
Having said that, I would like to add that my respect for you has increased greatly. I have never had a problem with alcohol. And I don’t drink, even though I have tried wine from time to time in the past. But not having had a problem with it myself does not in any way diminish my respect for those who have overcome it. I have always considered sobriety to be very admirable.
One final note that I think is somewhat related to your post : For those who commit themselves to Him, God is both the father and the mother for us, that we most need.
So well put. I have had this issue (to a lesser degree) with loved ones or friends with the topic of getting healthy. For years I would tell them , "well have you tired this or that excersise? There's an herbal formula that can help with that. Or, have you tried taking gluten/ dairy out of your diet?". Most of my suggestions went in one ear and out the other, and it took me longer than it should to realize that most people won't try to heal themselves until they've suffered enough. Sucks, because I also don't like to see people suffer, but I get it. I also had to suffer enough before making a change in my life, multiple times. Sometimes we're too numb or used to the discomfort and we can't see how it's hurting us.
I know where you're coming from! Though you don't believe, when you meet God face-to-face He will tell you your wishes and how you feel really DO matter. Love and blessings!
Thanks to Joe Biden, as of this August 1, when my seventeen year old granddaughter returns to school she will be forced (if she desires to use the gym or pool) to shower with men. How can anyone vote for this guy again?
I feel you. I get accused of being insensitive, cruel, whatever, because I find it extremely difficult to lie, just to make someone feel better. I’ve been the unkind one many, many times, according to various former friends.
Very hopeful that you are right about what will be the ultimate outcome of the Title IX fiasco! Pain is a very, very real motivator; I've read that only severe suffering causes any real changes in an individual, and in my life, I've proved that observation correct. I have no doubt that quite a few people will suffer as a result of Biden's directives. I can only hope that the suffering is widespread enough to cause a change.
Isn’t that one of the issues? Rather than force people through pain to get to a better state we just celebrate and reinforce their poor mental and/or physical state. But this isn’t being done out of misguided “caring.” It’s being driven by evil. Allowing and facilitating a person drugged out and living in their own excrement or someone suffering from the effects of being 400 pounds is how these lowlifes get their jollies. And in the case of many non profits and NGOs make a financial fortune.
Josh, so pleased to see you emerging from your funk of the last several months! I love the Nick Lowe CTBK video - and your words of "hard won wisdom".
There's a joke that goes like this:
A: Why's your dog whining like that?
B: He's lying on a nail.
A: Why doesn't he move?
B: I guess it doesn't hurt enough yet.
When I recently cut off contact with my family, the image that kept coming to mind was an animal gnawing off a limb. There's no way out of a relationship with a cluster B, especially family, without taking damage. It's reasonable to want to avoid that damage. But at a certain point it's better than what you face by not doing it.
*gnawing off a limb to get out of a trap, if that wasn't obvious. Left out a phrase
Paraphrasing Roger Ebert on hangovers: If you woke up and felt the way you do with a hangover without knowing the reason why you felt that way, you would go straight to the nearest emergency room and announce that you were dying.
So true. In my younger days, I had some hangovers that lasted three or four days of misery. Don't know why the hell I drank so much back then, but I'm so glad I never do now.
That is because, scientifically / medically, alcohol is truly a poison. It’s just that most people survive it to a significant extent. But it still slowly kills you.
Thank you. Wow. What a year to jump into sobriety. You are an inspiration to all.
Great writing, reflection and insight as always Josh. You're a breath of fresh air.
Thanks as always for the insights.
Seen on the wall of a recovery room, NYC, some time in the ‘90s:
‘When the pain of where I am becomes greater than the fear of where I’m going, then I’ll move.’
I’ve found it to be true in many life situations.
I don’t remember you previously mentioning your freedom from alcohol, since I subscribed. But it would not surprise me if you had, considering my poor memory and attention deficit. Also I’ve been remiss about reading old posts of those I’ve subscribed to.
Having said that, I would like to add that my respect for you has increased greatly. I have never had a problem with alcohol. And I don’t drink, even though I have tried wine from time to time in the past. But not having had a problem with it myself does not in any way diminish my respect for those who have overcome it. I have always considered sobriety to be very admirable.
One final note that I think is somewhat related to your post : For those who commit themselves to Him, God is both the father and the mother for us, that we most need.
So well put. I have had this issue (to a lesser degree) with loved ones or friends with the topic of getting healthy. For years I would tell them , "well have you tired this or that excersise? There's an herbal formula that can help with that. Or, have you tried taking gluten/ dairy out of your diet?". Most of my suggestions went in one ear and out the other, and it took me longer than it should to realize that most people won't try to heal themselves until they've suffered enough. Sucks, because I also don't like to see people suffer, but I get it. I also had to suffer enough before making a change in my life, multiple times. Sometimes we're too numb or used to the discomfort and we can't see how it's hurting us.
I know where you're coming from! Though you don't believe, when you meet God face-to-face He will tell you your wishes and how you feel really DO matter. Love and blessings!
Thanks to Joe Biden, as of this August 1, when my seventeen year old granddaughter returns to school she will be forced (if she desires to use the gym or pool) to shower with men. How can anyone vote for this guy again?
I feel you. I get accused of being insensitive, cruel, whatever, because I find it extremely difficult to lie, just to make someone feel better. I’ve been the unkind one many, many times, according to various former friends.
Mental hugs.