It’s time Common Sense prevailed … first … I need to
get my act into gear and get back into the positive land of blogging …
… this month I’ll be following my own prognostications
for a better future as I settle back in the UK.
I’ve never worked out why so many follow the crowd and
do what everyone else is doing … it seems sometimes we act or do without thought as to
what is best for us and our own family and friends …
 |
| Aristotle - the first person known to have discussed "common sense" (see more at Wiki) |
Common Sense seems such an easy thing as we’re all
born with it – yet others’ influence us and we follow their lead – why not our
own?
We know what is good for us … eating healthily and
eating what suits our body: early on I realised I didn’t like eating breakfast …
or eating before playing a squash match … which meant I ate very little during
the day … I survived and it suited me …
I’ve always eaten lots of vegetables and fruits and
know that they are essential to my stay on earth – whereas bread I should (and usually do) avoid
… as you can see above I enjoyed ball sports, so had lots of exercise …
It is mind over matter … Common Sense in all our
dealings with the world and for goodness sake read between, and behind, the
lines (don’t believe the one-liners) … so follow the Three Wise Monkeys …
See no evil
Speak no evil
Hear no evil
… that way people will never forget how you make them
feel … you will be leaving positivity behind you …
 |
| The three wise monkeys in brass |
Good luck to us all – let’s think, be prepared to
compromise – we do it all the time in life … and cheerfully chat things through
… remaining friends with smiling eyes …
… while for us
fellow #WATWB writers we will visit other contributors, to read their
thoughts and stories to spread peace and humanity around the world.
Remember Common Sense:
We are the World … In Darkness, Be Light
Let us go about our 2019 lives letting light and hope in …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
56 comments:
Hari OM
Hear! Hear! In a world that currently seems determined to fracture itself all any of us can do is be a light unto ourselves - then we cannot help but shine a little for others to steer by. YAM xx
Are you back in the lovely Meads area of Eastbourne? I do so love those views! I am working on a post just now and since it is along the same lines that you have here, I wonder if I might mention you and link to this post? We are in need of light and positive energy just now. Cheers! And eat some of those great veggies over there for me.👍
If only common sense were really common.
@ Yam - thank you for the 'hear hear' ... and for the aspect of letting light into our own worlds so we can lead by our own examples - exactly ...
@ Kay - yes, I'm back in the Meads area, slowly settling down. Please link across if you'd like to: so pleased you're in agreement re the need for light and positive energy. The good local produce is always a delight to munch on: helpful too.
@ Alex - I know seems a strange phrase 'common sense' - when so many appear not to have much ...
Thanks you three - I'll be catching up now and getting back on the blogging bandwagon ... cheers Hilary
Excellent advice Hilary! ☺ We all must do what works best for us and not follow the crowd. The world has become so much more health conscious in recent years and we try to eat right, most of the time. I must admit to a little carb addiction, however. My husband is Italian and some things, like pasta and bread, are hard to avoid entirely. Cheers!
All so very true and great advice. We have always eaten healthily and the fact we grow all our own vegetables I know where they come from and what has happened to them during growth. We never have bread in the house when it is only the two of us. Keep well Diane
Very nice to hear your wisdom , we all need to work at using our common sense and would have a lot less problems.
“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.“– Saint Augustine
The message of positivity at the end is powerful. I heard it said that people may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
I think at times it hurts us to - to be bombarded with news and commercials. I think we need to take some time alone to find out if we even have common sense! lol
Common sense is badly misnamed. Common it isn't.
Hooray for positivity - and for thinking about how we make people feel.
I am reminded of my 12 year old self. The one who so wanted to fit in. The one who wanted to be like everyone else. The one who felt like she wasn't. I think to a certain extent, people don't grow out of that. Not everyone. But those that don't feel like they have to conform to the crowd. And they're vocal enough that the rest of us think we're weird for not.
@ Debbie - I quite agree ... bread and carbs don't seem to agree with me - so I stay clear most of the time. But quite understand if your hubby is Italian ... you'll be eating excellent delicious Italian food. As you say many of us are eating well ...
@ Diane - I know I envy you your garden! We had that as kids growing up and whenever I've had a garden I've grown my own ... now I try and get fresh from the farm-gardens whenever possible. So glad to know there's someone else who doesn't have bread in the house ...
@ Steve - thank you ... I get so frustrated at how many people seem to have 'no idea' and won't even get out there and appreciate what's needed.
Love the St Augustine mother and two daughters ... excellent quote ...
@ Ian - I'm sure that's right ... we remember how we feel or were made to feel by people - I'm glad I added it in to the post ...
@ Sandie - there's so much out there ... that we really do not need to pay attention to ... we have our own common sense ...
@ EC - you're right 'common' isn't common is it - we seem to have lost the ability to think for ourselves.
Yes - hooray for positivity ... something I strive to keep up ... and we always need to leave having left everyone happy ... again I strive in that direction ...
@ Liz - you're right - I feel like that too. But I've always done my thing ... which as you say sometimes makes it difficult to fit in - but I'd rather be making my own life than rely on others ...
Thanks everyone for following along with me and my thoughts re 'common sense' ... and always appreciate you being here - cheers Hilary
A great message in a world where there is not much common sense these day. Yes thinking for yourself is a great solution and accordingly act. Great post
In the fight between common sense and stupidity thankfully for me common sense won, every now and again stupidity still makes a show but generally ccommon sense can over come it.
Common sense or just following the crowd - some people think they are one and the same.
I know what's good for my body. As a vegetarian, lots of carbs (including bread), which is about 80% of my daily calories. I get an A++ on my physical "report card" every year, so it's working.
Common sense is doing what is best for you.
To spread peace and humanity around the world? I wish you luck with that. A young American lad shot 5 people to death yesterday because he said the USA wants everyone to be armed. President of the Philippines Duterte has a death squad for all his extrajudicial killings etc.etc.
The best we can do is spread peace and humanity in our own families and communities.
I don't know if bread, especially a freshly baked ciabatta!!) is still your nemesis, but I live for a toasted baguette sandwich at least 2x a week - even though I *know* the carbs are loving me more than I love them!
Common Sense... sigh. I do wish I had some more of this, too, but for the most part, I do my best to listen to that little voice.
@ Marja - there doesn't appear to be much around ... and I find so often people aren't thinking about the easy solution: working things out for ourselves ...
@ Jo-Anne - oh gosh don't we all make silly mistakes at time and wonder where our own common sense went ... but as you say we usually get it right ...
@ Diane - I gather the two are co-joined so often ... I wish people could differentiate and help themselves.
I know you're vegetarian and quite understand eating lots of carbs ... for some reason my body doesn't like them - so I exclude them usually - but congratulations on your A++ physical score - mine isn't that good - perhaps it's age now?! Change of routine is in hand though ... for improvements ...
@ Sue - yes ... but so many think they have to follow others ...
@ Hels - well perhaps the ripple effect will work to a degree, though we are in horrendous times. I heard about the shootings; while I met a Filipino living and working in Canada who supported Duterte - I have to say I couldn't understand ... but he was happy to put me right - he did it nicely too ... I'd still agree with you though.
Yes - I guess that's what I was implying to always do our best around our own families and communities ...
@ Mark - it's just bread doesn't suit me - so I avoid it if I can ... I'll eat it occasionally, enjoy it and then feel not too happy ... sometimes I'd love to be able to eat it ... but so be it.
Well done for keeping the little voice around ... and you've done so well so far - especially with your sons - they'll appreciate these early years with their Dad ... things will work out. Good luck in Spain - your associates look a professional group ...
Thanks everyone - I really appreciate your coming by and leaving a comment ... cheers for now - Hilary
Your words in this piece certainly are both positive and inspirational. I'm with you one hundred per cent when it comes to doing your own thing.
Trouble with common sense, it isn't very common. Following the crowd seems easier to most people which is why we are often described as sheep.
Eating healthily is so very easy to do, but most people find fast foods so much easier.
Common Sense is not all that common anymore these days. People have always sought safety in group-think. You're right: each of us is a flame. If we dampen ours, the world is that much darker. Thanks for being my friend, Hilary.
Common sense, along with general knowledge, seems to be in short supply these days. We just have to keep on keeping on - and hoping others are listening rather than arguing the point.
My mother was the common sense guru. My father - sometimes not so much. Thus they made a good pair. I agree with your blog post - common sense, think on your own, be positive, and do the monkey thing - See no.....(fill in the blank). 2019 is chugging along - we have to keep up!
Light and hope, indeed.
Hi, Hilary - Thank you for this timely post. I had a discussion on this same topic today (i.e. we each need to be aware of, and commit to, what works for us). Hoping all is well for you as you settle in back home.
Be the light. Raise the standard on the hill, light the torch. Be the light.
Great post, love this! Thanks so much for being part of #WATWB!
Wise advice.
The world now seems to think it needs social media to tell them what and how to think. I remember common sense, my parents drilled it into me and its still working quite well.
@ Keith - yes I so agree ... get on with things ... don't follow the crowd ...
@ Jo - sadly yes so many follow the crowd and don't think for themselves; the sheep scenario has many connotations going back into the folklore of yore ...
I know fast food seems to be everywhere ... it's more expensive too - let alone not being so good for one ...
@ Roland - you're right about the 'group-think' or follow someone else. The world needs its flames to lighten the way for future generations. It's a pleasure reading your posts Roland.
@ Janice - I know ... general knowledge is another challenge for so many ... people just don't want to learn or even look things up. I so agree with you ... hope others listen and learn to evaluate all they hear and read ... more needed to do that.
@ Joanne - it's interesting isn't it how couples differ ... and thus make a good pair. Each of us can evaluate to make sensible decisions, so many of them common sense ones, while being positive and doing the monkey thing. Life here is chugging along - but moving forward ...
@ Liza - definitely holding the light, while creating hope for all ...
@ Donna - thank you ... interesting you were reflecting this way too - we do need to be aware what works for us and not be led away by others. I'm slowly getting my act into gear ... thank you.
@ Susan - I concur with those sentiments - always lead with our own light and positivity ...
@ Belinda - thank you ... pleasure being a part of #WAWTB - it's good to read how much good is being done by others around the world ... I have yet to visit many of the participants ...
@ Sandra - thank you ... we so often need to be reminded and encourage others to do the same ...
@ Donna - good to see you - I know: what on earth are we doing to our children, grandchildren and to others in other countries with the 'speak' that is put out: it is frightening ... how little is learnt or evaluated ...
So glad this resonated with you ... common sense and general knowledge make up such an important part of our being and ability to live ... cheers to you all - Hilary
Yes to common sense. I prefer your version, which is actually real to the US president's version right now.
The only thing is, I'm not sure everyone is actually born with common sense. I find a lot of the "geniuses" that I've met (I can only speak to personal experience) lack that one quality. They really need help in understanding what common sense is and how to use it.
I'm glad you're back in the UK, and hope the worries currently taking center stage are alleviated soon. Fingers crossed!
Excellent advice that we all need to be reminded of. I have frequently been in this state of mind since I've had to cope with my changing household. I have a very different schedule and diet from the rest of my family and have managed to run our household more peacefully since allowing myself to do what I needed to do.
Have a great week,
Andrea
I am in full support of a world with more common sense!
I was never very good at sports, but enjoyed being awful at them.
I like the idea of In Darkness, Be Light.
I also like the idea of Speak no evil. But hearing or not seeing evil, I part company with the three wise monkeys on that:)
Common sense is a rare commodity nowadays. I'm with you totally on doing what's best for us as individuals. In the age of life on social media herd mentality proliferates unfortunately.
Hope you've had a good month, Hilary.
Cheers.
Nila.
Yes! Be light! There's too much darkness. A little kindness can go a long way!
You are one of the most positive people I've ever met. I'm so glad you have been in our lives. Yes, common sense, so sadly lacking especially in our government here in the USA. So happy you are back "home," though I think you would agree that home can be wherever we are in the world. I was so happy to see your smiling face on my blog, which I have decided to keep because I do need it, as I said on the comment I left there in response to yours. I think we are near the same age, at least in the same decade by now, and this uphill climb, I hate to say, doesn't get any easier. I do hope you will know what to do by the end of this year, as you mention, I think, in an earlier post. Take care, and keep your light shining bright. I can't see you doing anything else, dear friend!
Yes indeed. Though I don't believe with some social media exploiting human frailties common sense is a common as it once was. In my golden years now I finally learned an important lesson from my favorite book as a "young adult. The Count of Monte Cristo was really about successful revenge. It was in the end redemption through forgiveness.
This is amazing advice! Thank you for sharing!
www.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
Hilary, superb post and here's to common sense! It seems to have disappeared amongst the echelons of politicians around the world, but I see a lot out and about in normal life!
Hope you're settled okay back in the UK and wish you a fabulous 2019!
Hugs
Annika x
Lovely post Hilary...common sense - I think I have some! Let's trust our instincts and the three wise monkeys have always been a favourite of mine ever since we had a statue of them in the garden, when I was growing up. I shall follow your lead...oh no, I shall follow mine :-) Thank you!
A fantastic post, Hilary. Yes, more love and light - I'm all about it.
As far as common sense...we love to say that common sense ain't that common anymore. ;)
Have a beautiful week!
Elsie
We can be rather 'sheepish' sometimes about following the crowd:)
Have a good one.
@ Lisa – I agree that some geniuses lack common sense … but they’re usually willing to learn and understand … just so many don’t think for themselves nor use life to the best of their ability …
@ Andrea – that must be difficult … but it seems you’ve found the best way for you and the family … so I congratulate you there – and as you say it makes life easier all round.
@ Elizabeth – if only! Common sense, understanding and empathy for others … life would be so much easier for us all. That’s great you enjoyed sports … again you were out there and getting your exercise … I could never run and didn’t much like hiking out … but loved my ball sports …
@ Sandra – that slogan of ‘In Darkness, Be Light’ is clever isn’t it … and so appropriate for today. The monkeys make us think … that’s the main thing and I don’t like hearing evil, or seeing it …
@ Nila – yes common sense does seem to be rare and I do like being my own individual self, at least I’m not part of the media herd … and almost stay as far away as possible …
Thanks re the settling in … nearly there – February is here now!
@ Sherry – this #WAWTB is a wonderful way to promote thoughtfulness, caring and understanding throughout the world – the ripple is spreading …
@ Ann – good to see you and thank you for your compliment. Yes home is where the heart is … but in Canada it wasn’t right – loved the place though. You do so much for Jen, your daughter … as her crash and subsequent illness is a burden to bear … which understandably we’d all get frustrated with, so I admire you for your stoicism with the situation … and the getting on with it: take care …
@ Ray – social media isn’t the best is it – yet there are advantages and the internet is so worthwhile. I’d better get the Count of Monte Christo out of the library for a read … to see what you mean in your comment. Forgiveness is an essential in life isn’t it … all the best while you adapt to life with Mrs T and her frailty …
@ Gina – it’s a pleasure … common sense seems to be lacking sometimes …
@ Annika – thanks and good to see you … don’t we seem to have lost common sense and to a degree right and wrong … but we never seem to evaluate the other side of a situation and so don’t appreciate where others are coming from. I’m settling in rather more slowly than I’d like to … but perhaps am getting there!
@ Debbie – yes I’m sure you do … how lovely having that reminder about seeing, hearing and speaking no evil as a statue in the garden … excellent. Oh good – yes please follow your own common sense … and as you say I’ll follow mine …
@ Elsie – the #WAWTB posts are just brilliant to have as reminders of the good in the world: love and light – we do so need them. Sadly common sense doesn’t always prevail does it …
@ Sandra – good to see you again … way too many are sheepish … just glad I don’t fall into that group …
Cheers to you all and thanks for your positive acceptance for each of us to have our own common sense … Hilary
Yes, I am getting caught up on commenting. I've been very busy, but still if you post a blog you need to reciprocate, I just fell behind. But is it ever possible to get caught up?
I'm doing as I said, my own thing my own when, when I decide. So that's good, right?
@ Renee - well you've had a lot going on ... so it's understandable. Nope I don't think we ever catch up ... still we can only do what we can do ... and yes taking your own time, doing your own thing, yet getting across when you decide - definitely the right thing for peace of mind ...
Good to see you - cheers Hilary
It never hurts to get back to the basics, does it? I like the way you think!
Excellent advice. It's basic but we tend to not use it often. Thanks for the nudge!
@ Lynda - I'd love us all to think before we do things and work out what's best for us ... and yes basics are such a guiding force we'd all do well to follow ... thank you.
@ Shilpa - thank you ... I'd love it if people didn't follow the crowd ... and yes: we all need nudging occasionally ... so appreciate your thoughts ...
Cheers to you both - here's to common sense - Hilary
You know what, Hilary, common sense sometimes seems to be the most elusive commodity of all. I am sure that I lack it in some degree. I cannot count how many times I tend to see, or to make, things more compicated than they are. Miriam on the other hand is the most common sense person you could ever meet. And I benefit from that in so many ways. It may be old fashioned to say, but she really takes care of me, and I benefit in large measure from her common sense. She has enough for both of us I think!
Hi David - you're right: it is an elusive commodity; and yes I'm sure we all have our moments of being 'irrational' - I know I do. Glad you've got Miriam to: as you say 'take care of you' ... that's a very generous comment, and I'm sure just so true. The balance of two = being just right ...
Cheers Hilary
Sometimes we know what is good for us, but don't do it. When we do the right thing we usually feel better. Common sense is definitely important. :)
~Jess
@ Jess - that's true too ... we do know, but carry on regardless ... but as you so rightly say - we do feel better when we are on the right track ... thanks for this great comment - cheers Hilary
Common sense should be renamed... it is anything but common!
Hi Damyanti - I so agree ... it's not the most obvious thing going ... thanks - cheers three years on! Hilary
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