Write it down and throw it away

Some people like to express feelings they’re uncomfortable saying in person through a letter.

I’ve heard roommates do this with nasty notes.
Relatives do this with letters detailing how they’ve been wronged.
Exes like to do it in the name of “closure.”

My advice?

If you feel wronged, write it all down in a letter to that person and throw it away.

You’ve now articulated your position so you can
work through it on your own or
resolve the issue in person.

Expressing your feelings in a letter isn’t fair to the recipient.
They have no recourse.
They can’t explain themselves.
Letters aren’t fair.

If you need to express an unpleasant feeling on paper, do it, rip it up and speak to the offender in person.
We’ll all be healthier for it.

Work is work

Oh! If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life! What a glorious sentiment!

Still, I love what I do more than most folks, and it’s still work.
There are still trash cans to be emptied, dishwashers to be filled, phone calls to be made.
And it’s all work.

I’d rather eat a meal with my family and friends.
I’d rather watch Lost or South Park.
I’d rather canoe down a river.

Don’t get suckered into believing that if you just loved what you did enough, it wouldn’t come with discomfort.
That’s a useless regret.

You will always need to choose between activities.

Some will bring you joy, some will bring you irritation.
This is life.

Baby, I hope you have more joy than irritation.
I hope you love your work.

The Why game

I was in the grocery store last week. It was a long line. Behind me was a television personality with her young son. He was playing the “Why?” game.

After this, we’re going to make dinner.

Why?

Because your dad, you and I need to eat.

Why?

Because it’s 4:30 in the evening and that’s when we start dinner.

Why?

Because of the earth’s rotation on its axis and the location of the sun…etc.

Now when my friends with two young kids get suckered into the “Why?” game they turn it into a critical thinking exercise.
“Why do you think?”

Why do you think indeed.