indeterminate mind

  Prompt #1 I see storms and trials in life  dark and destructive they are not exactly as they appear Like the aggression of the Madman  screaming and carrying on Is the symbiosis of fear and despair.  Or the inappropriate laugh of the clown Cackling and jeering Is a wall of self-loathing and depression And the stern discipline of a parent Fierce threats and commands Are the words of love and safety The things we see as dark and despairing are  Oftimes not exactly as they appear Prompt #2 Son, if you do what I tell you you can avoid the pain, You can avoid the problems, and make your life  Easy. So, just stay away from anything that may hurt you, Avoid displeasure, and never allow yourself to be uncomfortable Only play games you know you can win, only do things you know  You do well Only be friends with those that immediately like you and think as you do Don’t worry about those who are different At work do only what is asked and arrive and leave exactly on time Never run farther than y

You have come to this conference expecting me  to give an engaging, confident, speech  And say things like you should “be the best you,”  and “love every day as if it's your last.”  You likely expect me to be engaging  and use storytelling techniques and pseudo-authenticity  to teach you things like time management, leadership, and empathy. I can’t because I have not learned these skills,  but I do have some knowledge to pass along.   Take it for what you will: If you need to rush somewhere, carry a fire extinguisher. Nobody will stop a person running with a fire extinguisher. We’ve been taught to treat others the way we wanted to be treated. But I have learned that people don't want their shoulders massaged while in line at the grocery store. If your wife asks “How lazy can you be?” it’s a rhetorical question. Bread bowls are not dishwasher safe Walking up behind someone in the produce aisle with celery in your hand and saying "I'm stalking you" is much funnier i