In a post near the end of our long journey I reflected on how people always wished us “Be Safe” but no one wished us “Be Happy.” I further reflected that kindness and happiness were related, safety and happiness were not. I also hinted I would expound on that further, but have failed to do so until now.
Most people would want both, of course, with a goal of living a long and happy life. Yet I’m mindful of the Biblical wisdom “you cannot serve two masters.” When the primary master is to “Be Safe” that leads to a different set of beliefs and behaviors than when our master is to “Be Happy.” The “Happy Master” leads us to kindness; the “Safety Master” leads us to a variety of antisocial traits, apprehension being foremost among them.
I will delve into this further on this blog. For now, here’s a little experiment for you. Wish one person today to “Be Safe.” Then wish another person with similar disposition to “Be Happy.” Note the reactions you get. I’m betting this alone might convince you to continue on with wishing others to “Be Happy.”
I’m including photos from our first day. If our primary goal on this journey was to “Be Safe” we would have skipped hiking on this, our very first day, along with too many other days to complete the journey.
Is hiking in a downpour "being safe?"
Our nephew Tom ignored being safe along with us.
"For afterwards a man finds pleasure in his pains." Homer
