Palindromic Philosophy

The usual approach to any result is that if it’s a good/successful outcome, then there’s no need to look back at the process because in the end you profited. However, if the result is bad, we look back to see where we went wrong. When something goes right, we don’t immediately think back and try to figure out where improvements could have been made. What if you look back at a positive result and realize the process of getting there was all negative? What if your success was like a side effect, there was a possibility of it happening, but that wasn’t what the medicine was for?

People always say, “It’s the thought that counts.” Usually when this phrase is repeated it’s because of some plan or action that suffered failure. You get a birthday present for someone, but they don’t like it. It’s the thought that counts. You decide to cook a meal for your boyfriend, but end up burning the food. It’s the thought that counts. You wanted to throw your grandmother a surprise birthday party, but she had a heart attack from the shock. It’s the thought that counts. I hope the last one never happens, but I’m just trying to make a point here. You’re supposed to look at the intentions of a person whether their actions resulted in good or bad.

What if the end results of a person’s actions were good, but the intentions were bad? What if someone had impure intentions and wanted only to benefit themselves, but somehow you were benefited by them? This person never truly cared about your well being; you were used, but, in the end, you were better off. In a situation like this does the phrase “it’s the thought that counts” still apply?

2010, let's begin.

Sometimes people have epiphanies and decide in an instant to change something about their lives or sometimes these decisions to change come from a gradual process which ultimately leads to the realization. Either way, people come to a point in their lives and promise to commit to changing something about themselves. When this moment occurs, people tend to behave and talk in such a convincing manner that I am compelled to believe that they are, indeed, going to make the change. That is until I hear the following words attached to their declaration: That’s my New Year’s resolution.

I mean, I really don’t get it. You come to a point in your life, you have this revelation to change something (presumably for the betterment of your life), yet, you want to delay it until January 1st of the following year. WTF? Do it the moment you realize you need the change! Why delay it until New Year’s Day? People are so lazy. I can understand procrastination when it comes to work or school projects or something, but if you’re going to make a life-altering decision, what’s the point of postponing it? Oh I’m sorry, the Earth needs to complete a revolution around the sun before I can start my diet. Global warming can wait; the Earth needs to be evenly tanned before I start recycling. Seriously, what’s wrong with people?

I suppose I should be more encouraging and supportive. Starting a transformation on New Year’s Day is better than not doing it at all. Still, it irks me that people designate New Year’s Day as the day to make a new change in their life. I’m also annoyed by Valentine’s Day. Why do we have to designate a day to show a loved one how much we care? Shouldn’t you do that everyday? The same goes for Halloween. If I want to scare the crap out of someone, I’m not going to wait until Halloween to do it. What about April Fool’s Day? Can you imagine how boring The Office would be if Jim only pulled pranks on Dwight one day a year? 

If you really must make a New Year’s resolution, I hope it will be that you won’t wait until the following year when you decide there’s something you want to change about your life. My point is, if you want to do something, do it the moment you realize it. Carpe Diem! 

Happy New Year!