In a time when most of us keep the internet, via our trusty smartphones, in our pockets, we have immediate access to the world’s accumulated “wisdom” anytime and anywhere. And with each new day, our inboxes burgeon with unsolicited instruction from strangers purporting to be close acquaintances – financial advice, relationship advice, market advice, spiritual advice, dining advice, shopping advice – we are all fully advised.
For some, a few words, slogan, or bumper sticker is all that’s required to help them course correct. Others have bookshelves filled with self-help tomes. They cannot get enough insight in their quest to stay on the straight and narrow. For me, it falls somewhere in between. The truisms stuck to the car in front of me in traffic (we are most often reminded to COEXIST) are often polite enough; but they fail to adequately inspire. Yet chasing wisdom from the latest faddish book only has me seeking my cheese or looking for the right seat on the bus. Give me a casual lunch with a good friend. Wisdom best comes from exchange with smart people who care enough to engage in our lives – directly!
Still, we all seem to be seeking direction. How can we lose weight? How can we live a better life? How can we find our way? Could it be that the answers elude us because they are too complicated? Or, could it be simply that we are unwilling (or unable) to take action? A recently-married young associate asked for advice on a happy home. Decide what matters. Really, do we care about guest towels, decorative soaps, or rules about feet on the sofa? If we limited our contention to the few things that are required for our happiness, couldn’t we live a good deal easier? Should we be careful to avoid being care full?