Will life be any better? Perhaps it will if our attitude is right and we refuse to let circumstances and other people disturb our self-imposed calm. That's a tall order nowadays for there are so many influences in our lives. We're just not going to get everything to go our way. It's just not a "My Way Street." It's almost impossible to decide who we have present in our lives. Our daily routine is full of people and circumstances that we must deal with on a regular basis. So to obtain some sort of personal serenity, we must find an answer that will allow us to handle difficult folks and to navigate through arduous situations that demand our attention and a proper resolution.
There are a few ways to accomplish this: One, move to South America or the Far East. Two, nod and smile and say nothing; or three, to every request of your time, talent or property, come up with a suitable catchphrase that will handle most everything, yet not harm anyone.
If living in a Third World country, not speaking the native tongue and worrying about government overthrow or rebel uprising is not your cup of tequila, consider the next method: Take a vow of silence for 2011. That's right, don't talk to a single soul or react to single sound. Mum's the word for the entire year. You can't get into an argument, start a conversation or enter into an agreement if you refuse to vocally communicate to anyone. And, a vow is a vow and not to be trifled with or doubted because it's practically a religious experience. On the other hand, you won't be able to cry out for help, warn people of danger or laugh right out loud.
<
The two aforementioned suggestions don't seem to work for me, so I have chosen to apply the catchphrase "I prefer not to" to every request of my time, to every favor requested of me or any invitation to join a club, a movement or a new way of thought. Can you come over? (I prefer not to) Can you lend me some money? (I prefer not to) Wanna' join my party? (I prefer not to) Would you like to buy my TV? (I prefer not to) Do you care? (I prefer not to) What do you think? (I prefer not to) Do you country line dance? (I prefer not to) It's not exactly a "no" and shouldn't disturb your inquisitor since you're not being judgmental, you're merely stating your preference.
I hope you all have a happy new year even if you prefer not to ... nice talking to you.
