One of my former professors told me, “You just like to learn.” He commented on my effort to earn a second graduate degree four decades after high school. At the time, I thought it was a compliment, but these days I wonder, could it be a curse?
I always wonder how did that happen. Why did something go down this way? Or, if I’d done something differently, what would have happened? Wondering and questioning seem to be in my DNA. It also makes me a pain in the backside of friends, family, and others who don’t have the same drive to “know.”
For instance, my most recent major learning experience was chronicled in Speaking of Lies. At one level, I knew how easy it was to lie to myself. What I learned during the situation laid out in Lies was how easy it is to suppress your common sense. This is especially true if you convenience yourself your actions are for the good of those you love.
Yes, I was trying to tough it out to keep from frightening my wife. What I accomplished was to place myself at significant risk and scare her half to death. Thankfully, my physical resilience, some good doctors, and the will to survive were strong enough to make up for my miscalculation concerning my condition.
So, what did I learn from this experience? It is better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to your health and safety, toughing it out is one thing. Risking your neck for fear of overreacting or appearing weak is something else.
© oneoldcop.com 2023
@jacksonseric
