View from Chapel Window, Pizzaonian Monasteries, Pizzaonia
April 2015
Ask Brother Giovanni
Today “The Pizzaonian” is pleased to announce a new feature called “Ask Brother Giovanni.” This will give our readers an opportunity to get some sound advice on personal problems. Brother Giovanni looks forward to you questions.
“You may not like the answer, but you will always hear the truth.”
Q: Brother Giovanni, I am in an idiot relationship. I knew it was wrong from the beginning but did it anyway. What do I do?
BG: Since you were an idiot from the beginning that is not likely to change. My best advice is to continue to be an idiot, but at least be the best idiot you can be.
Q: Brother Giovanni, I am in a dead-end job. No matter what I do it never allows me to reach my potential. What do I do?
BG: It is very frustrating to feel the way you do. Possibly, you are not being realistic. Since dead-end jobs seem to reoccur in your life frequently, maybe you should look on the bright side. For people like you having any job is probably a minor miracle. Thank the heavens every day that someone is still willing to give you a paycheck.
Q. Brother Giovanni, I always feel inferior. My friends tell me that I may be suffering from an inferiority complex. Could this be true? If so, what can I do about it?
BG: When dealing with personal introspection self-delusion is always present. In my experience, a constant feeling of inferiority is usually caused by actually being inferior. In your case, acceptance is everything. Accept being inferior and things will get better.
Q: Brother Giovanni, every time I talk to my wife we get into an argument. What do I do?
BG: This is easy. Don’t talk with your wife.
Q: Brother Giovanni, I am considering a career in politics. What do you recommend?
B G: There are three necessary traits required to be a successful politician. One, never confuse what has to be done with reality. Two, be able to change positions with complete confidence no matter how ridiculous it may seem to do so. Three, never confuse the fact that your main job is knowing how to get elected – not governing. As long as you are comfortable working with these three issues you should have a very successful political career.
Our Pizzaonian thought for the day
At the end of every “Ask Brother Giovanni” we will have a brief discussion on topics that are important here in Pizzaonia. We will offer a variety of opinions from prominent Pizzaonians. We hope they are helpful. Today's comments are from Brother Giovanni
AUTHENTICITY
Within each of us is the seed of authenticity. For most, it remains a seed. Harsh – perhaps, but how many of us have the opportunity or the courage to become our real self.
This does beg the question” What or who is our real self? That self would be the person free of ego or need for affirmation. Until we are free to be who we are, all of our actions, no matter how seemingly noble are tainted by ego.
Consider your own person. If it is possible for you to be honest with yourself consider how much of whom you really are is allowed to show consistently to everyone.
Here is an exercise that may help. Take two sheets of paper. On the first, write in detail who you really are. This paper after you are finished will be kept for posterity for all too eventually see.
On the second sheet of paper again write the same thing only this time this paper will be destroyed as soon as you are finished. Do the papers match? If they do your authentic self is emerging in a very healthy way.
If they don’t, you need to spend the rest of your life getting them to match. That is the true work of a lifetime.
One final thought: Since everyday here in Pizzaonia is a day-to-day affair, you may see us again, and then again, you may not.
Brother Franco