Will’s Thoughts – Thinking Things Through Before Doing Them
I reckon there is virtue in thinking things through before doing them: I have learned that the formula for human activity is 96% action, 4% thought. Now, I’m a big fan of ‘gittin’ things dun’, but not before thinking them through a bit. It took decades for me to arrive at a point in life where I think more than I duck, and all that thinking’s led to some weird changes happening in me. For instance, when at a store’s checkout counter, where underpaid clerks mumble phrases like, “Would you like to pay for this using our store’s obscure credit card that charges outlandish interest rates?” I no longer verbally decapitate them with responses like, “I would, but I can’t. You folks cut it up the last time I tried to use it.” or “Lad, I know it’s taxing to that wee dried pea rattling about between your ears, but these colored pieces of paper that I’m holding are called cash”. Instead, I smile and say, “No thanks, I’m using my debit card” and, “Have a great day.”
Is it because I’m becoming a nicer guy? Heck no! I’m just getting tired of bogging down in the mud pits of life, then wasting fuel trying to get myself out. I’m saving my heart attack or stroke for something that’s worth it! When I stand before the creator and am asked what caused my death, I do NOT want to have to reply, “Um. I had a stroke because they forgot my fries at the darn drive-thru again “, or “I went into cardiac arrest because some idiot in front of me wasn’t driving fast enough”. No, I want my death to be something that really makes an impact on humanity, like creating an urban lover’s legend for all future male generations aspire to.
Yep, I reckon that thinking does me a heap more good than flapping my lips, and it turns out that it’s also even real healthy for my love life. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t always think in line with Her, whom I love more than life itself, or follow her sage advice (which always turns out badly for me). After all, I am not only a man, I am THE man, master of my universe (at least she lets me think so) and I do have an occasional good idea, like deciding to win her heart, even if they’re few and far between.
The bottom line is that I’ve proven beyond doubt that it’s entirely possible to fit square pegs into round holes. Thinking’s lowered my blood pressure, made alcohol taste like disgusting dirty dishwater, made me quit smoking, increased my life expectancy and has given me a new perspective on other people. As a result, I find myself arguing less and laughing more. I’m actually even beginning to understand and respect other people’s opinions (okay, maybe not as often as I should, but a fella’s got to start somewhere).
I know there are a lot of folks out there saying it’d be real nice if our elected representatives thought more and acted less, and they are sure right. But politicians are ‘elected’, so they are merely mirrors of our own ignorance, greed and stupidity. They are the magnificent magic mirrors that we picked to tell us whatever we want to hear. If folks really want political change, they need to change themselves first, and one of the fastest and easiest ways to change themselves, is just to simply think more and act less.
Will’s thoughts prove that everybody has opinions, but he has way more than he should. From dogs that won’t stop barking, to the antics of his spouse, ‘Crazy Lady’, Will’s Thoughts will make you smile.
