A Few Things to Start

Before we get started I ask that all thus-far readers memorize this title so that they can, at a later date, offer it to someone else. Even if this work does not benefit you, it might benefit someone you care about. To help others is divine.

As a reward for your future generosity I offer this present, the 1:99 Observation. We are not thoughts, we generate thoughts. We are not feelings, we generate feelings. Ninety-nine percent of the thoughts we generate are poo. It’s similar for feelings. Choose as wisely as you can the ones to act upon.

Now it’s not 99%, but it gives us a starting point for discussion. We’re not all the same either. Some of us are only 98.2% full of shit while others run at an astonishing 99.8% full of shit.

Some of us may be brilliant and work in a special place surrounded by well above average minds and have doubts about the high percentage. Consider that you may be the exception rather than the rule. Keep in mind the possibility that one of your brilliant colleagues has an armpit fetish, a creepy collection of dolls, and worships snakes. Just because one facet of a gem is polished doesn’t mean the rest isn’t a crusty blob. Regardless, thinking that all our thoughts and feelings are excellent because they’re ours, because we spawned them, is definitely a poo idea.

The fact that this book is short is another gift to those who continue to read. To honor the 1:99 Observation, I’ve attempted to edit out most of the writing because I too am not immune. It might surprise to know this work started out 10,245,691 pages long and was filled with poorly constructed sentences, spelling errors, pointless ramblings, and the expression of self-indulgent feelings. I’ve deleted them. You’re welcome, but beware I might have missed some.

I’m going to ask you to dig deep in these pages. Any awkwardness created by me in writing style, tone, or topics will not compare to the discomfort of being honest with yourself. Remember what Thomas Paine said, “He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Embrace the Paine, don’t be afraid to offend yourself. Fortunately, you may face any forthcoming tension and enjoy any insight in as much or little privacy as you prefer. That’s one of the many benefits of books.

While some things can be made better by focusing on something other than yourself, this book is not one of those. To maximize your benefit from reading this book worry less about me and what I’m putting into it, and focus more on you and what you’re getting out of it. I’m not the important one here. You are.

Pull one useful bit out of this book and benefit a little. Pull a second useful bit out and benefit a little more. That’s another benefit of books, and not by accident how this book is intended to be used.

If your mind needs repair or inspection then seek a qualified me-chanic, a professional mind-knowledge person also known as a therapist, counselor, or psychologist. If you continue to read I’ll assume you’re not looking for specious words to salve frayed sensitivities. As Grandma used to say, “It’s nice to cuddle up with something soft and warm, but if you want to get sharp, then you gotta rub up against something that’s gonna scrape pieces off.”

Welcome to a whetstone path.