Life, the Universe and Everything

I will probably edit this again later on but we'll work with it as is for the moment.

Lessons come in many different forms. Some are ones that we choose to take on and learn. Some we have to take on and learn. Then there are those that we are forced to learn, mostly for our own good, whether we want to learn them or not.

I have come to the conclusion that the old adage "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks" really should never be used. I believe that the other old adage "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink" is a more accurate assessment of any situation.

Another old adage comes to mind that compliments the horse above. The statement "Experience is the best teacher" is very bold and very true. No matter how many times you tell something to someone, or give them examples of fact, it just does not stick. Sometimes (and this can be unfortunate in certain circumstances) the person(s) just have to experience it for themselves to fully understand what you have been telling them all along.

It's like when you tell a child that the stove is hot. You warn them that it will burn them and hurt them. Despite the repeated warnings, the child still has to touch the stove, burn and hurt themselves, to prove that you were telling the truth. Now that they have experienced
it themselves, they will be more apt to believe you in the future.

We see these same lessons everyday. From the bright folks in Etobicoke who blindly believe that their neighbours would never rob them so why lock their doors to the small towns that shrug smugly about the safety of their community compared to the big city; that is, until the news crew descends upon them for having the highest STD per capita in the entire nation due to John and Jane's activities during the various "oral parties" held each week.

I know, I know. My blog has been a bit dark these days. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the season. Maybe it's just me. I'll figure it out and get back to you all.

In the meantime, I hope you will listen more carefully to that person trying to help you or trying to give you advice or trying to encourage you to do something for your benefit or safety. Sometimes, some things are just not meant to be or should not be experienced. Sometimes, they should be and they should be embraced for the extras that they provide. The hard part is determining which is which.

:-)