"Delayed Gratification" 3D.gif

*A rare, signed, higher resolution and non-watermarked version of this image is available for download at: https://creary.net/digitalart/@jaichai/paydays-and-such

Like most people, my online friend @storeymatters (torum.com), recently expressed how happy Paydays make him feel.

I can truly empathize.

As a young serviceman in the 80's, I used to jump out of my rack on Paydays and be one of the first ones in line for my green government paycheck.

Here's my reply to @storeymatters:

Good for you , young man.

Don't spend it all in one place.

And while I'm at it, how 'bout a little story and advice from an old man?

I promise to make it as short as I can. Ok? Here goes..m

I'm very fortunate.

For me, everyday is virtually a 'Payday".

Because of a couple great mentors early in life, I now have a pension and other residual streams of income.

Most days, I simply enjoy the company of my loved ones, take care of my new puppies and pursue my long list of strange, exotic hobbies.

Granted, on rare occasions, I will do a short gig as a "Consultant", "Contractor" or "Advisor".

But that's strictly reserved for old friends (and only if I feel like it).

How did I come about these nice circumstances?

Simple.

I followed some benign-sounding yet invaluable advice given to me when I was a teenage delinquent turned military recruit.

(The following is from one of my military instructors.)

"Son, now that I'm about to let you loose in the wild, whether you want it not, you will standfast and listen up to this parting advice.

Understand? Good!

No matter what the 'where, when or how of the situation', always enjoy the moment mindfully.

It just might be your last, especially with you and your hazardous duty specialty.

Think of this.

If you're lucky enough to survive and live a long life afterwards, wouldn't you want to enjoy it?

Or do you want to end up as another destitute vet - angry, confused, physically and mentally broken, poor and homeless?

I'm telling you this now, at the beginning of your military career to prevent that tragic outcome.

Of course, always do your duty - and to the best of your ability.

Don't think you got over on me.

I know you've been sand-baggin' it at school.

Most of the time, I could clearly see that after one of our little combat exercises - events engineered to supposedly task each student to their fullest - your gas tank was at most, only half-empty.

In the real world the stakes are much higher.

For your buddies - and most of all, for YOU, you need to know you've done your best.

Believe me, it sucks when you hold back and something really bad happens.

And it's those stupid "could’ve, would've, should've" things in life that will haunt you forever.

As a young man, you're now in the best position to shape your life and take charge now.

Remember that the military may or may not be your 'forever'.

Do at least one thing everyday that, although may really suck while you're doing it, ensures a better tomorrow for you.

It could be as simple as paying yourself first on Paydays (a la "The Richest Man in Babylon"), exercising when you don't feel like it or owning up to your f*uck-ups asap - whatever.

It's not the big, one-time deals that shape your life as much as the daily habits you cultivate and adopt.

I agree with Einstein, 'Compounding is miraculous'.

This applies to everything in your life.

Now get the Hell outta here, Doc. Make us proud and kick some ass!”

Looking back, I guess this was the instructor's best way to teach me about the value of "Delayed Gratification".

Submitted for you to ponder in a quiet place.

May you and yours be well and loving life today.

In Lak'ech, JaiChai

(JaiChai 7 May 2022. Simultaneous multi-site submissions posted. All rights reserved.)