Why do people like to make things more difficult than they need to be? A lifetime ago, I took film classes. My favorite one was film editing. We were all given the same black and white stock footage of a silent film to cut. It was very interesting to see the varied results. Some made complete and total sense while others, not so much. They all ranged in length, but I think my favorites, were the ones that were short and sweet. I’ve always been a, “Just tell me what I need to know.” kind of editor. I have no desire to sit through a long-winded saga, with tons of back story, and I doubt many folks do.
I apply this same philosophy to the work I do. Basically; if it is dirty, clean it; if it is empty, fill it; if we’re out of it, order it, simple. When it comes to doing the paperwork for the store, policies and procedures, I apply the same logic. I agree that filling out a spreadsheet can be tricky, but the reality is, put this number in that spot and so on and so forth. We are given a set of instructions to follow, so I follow them. However, some folks have a need to completely and thoroughly understand why one is putting a number in a certain spot. I get it, I do, but I’ve been filling out these forms for over five years now and since I’m not an accountant, I’ve learned to let go of all the “how” and “why” of doing them.
I was once told that sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct one. I am guilty myself of trying to find solutions in all the wrong places because what I know to be true, well, it’s too simple, that can’t be right, it should be more difficult, right? No, it doesn’t have to be, sometimes it is, but more times than not, it isn’t. I like to keep my life as simple as possible; “routine” is my middle name. I like schedules and lists, tidy piles and to throw things out whenever possible. Just keep it simple, don’t over think the situation and get the job done.
I make cheesecake, a damn good one, if I do say so myself. Many people have asked for the recipe, nope, not giving it out, ever. You see, my recipe is so simple, it’s silly, but it’s mine. Before I had kids, I was asked if I wanted to sell it through a catalog, but I turned down the offer. I just couldn’t see myself making cheesecakes day in and day out, besides, how would I do it? The idea of packaging and shipping alone made my head spin, but I always wondered, what if I had done it? Well, I’m not dead yet, maybe there’s still a possibility, but I would have to keep it simple. I even have a catch phrase, “The secret ingredient is simplicity.” and it’s the god’s honest truth. Over the years, I have experimented with the recipe, but I always come back to its simple beginning. Don’t overdo it and it will be delicious.
I think I need to listen to myself more often. With all that’s going on in the world, my head has been spinning with “what ifs” along with all of the “how” and “why” scenarios I fathom. I’ve been asking knowledgeable folks for opinions on what I should do and quite honestly, I think their answers get me more confused than I was to begin with. So, for now, I’ve decided to keep it short and sweet and to the point. To follow my schedules and lists, to plan the work and work the plan (that’s another one of my favorite mantras), and on a final note, what if the hokey pokey is really what it’s all about? Shit, we had the answer to the meaning of life all along, but we didn’t believe it could be so simple, but maybe… it is.
#thelieswechoosetolivewith
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