I Can Read with My Eyes Shut
Posted by Gail | Filed under Life Lessons
I meet people all the time who want me to save them from their debt. I’ve written hundreds of blogs about getting out of debt. I’ve provided tools for folks to use to help them make a plan. I’ve even written a book that’s kinda like having me come to your house and give you what-for and a solid plan. And still people write to me to ask me how to do it. Hey, read a little sumthin’ sumthin’ and you’ll figure it out.
One of the simplest – but perhaps one of the most important – lessons from the world of Dr. Seuss is that we live is a place of constant change, and you can’t go far wrong if you’re willing to look at things a little differently… and if you’re willing to keep your eyes open.
The Cat in the Hat is back, with a youn’un in tow. And the message of the day is to learn, keep learning, and keep being open to new ways to see things.
The more that you read,
the more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
the more places you’ll go.
Sure, this is a book about the joys of reading; it’s a great lesson for our children. But it’s also a lesson in on-going personal development, in taking charge of your own knowledge base and learning to expand it.
There are so many things to learn about.
BUT…
you’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.
Having a closed mind never leads anywhere good. Trying to read with your eyes closed is a metaphor for people who have already made up their minds about things even as they “pretend” to be expanding their minds.
Pick up Debt-Free Forever with the attitude that debt’s not so bad, or that debt is a way of life, or that debt is unavoidable, and you’re reading with your eyes shut. And if you download a copy of Money-Smart Kids, but you’ve already decided that kids should never be given money they haven’t worked to earn, your eyes are squeezed shut. Open ‘em up!
If you read with your eyes shut
you’re likely to find
that the place where you’re going
is far, far behind.
While you’re reading I Can Read with My Eyes Shut to your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, goddaughters and godsons, ask yourself when last you explored an idea that was in direct conflict with something you thought you knew.
Are you reading with your eyes open?
September 15, 2011 at 7:44 am
I expect people want to believe that their debt issues are different than everyone else’s issues. They may have read your books and blogs, but they are unique and much more complicated than those other people who are just lazy and spend more than they make.
It seems to be human nature these days to look for the path of least resistance and by going directly to the source of the info, ie Gail, perhaps you will simply do all the work (calculations,etc) for them. Or even better, help them without making them stop using credit and shopping!!
September 15, 2011 at 8:02 am
This book we have! My husband uses it to reinforce the path of post secondary education “the more that you know, the more places you’ll go”.
September 15, 2011 at 8:03 am
It can definitely be hard to have an open mind sometimes if you think you already understand something very well! I don’t like a lot of debt either, but I am ok with having a decent sized mortgage. I try to pay it down as fast as humanly possible, but I’m still ok with having one. There are people out there who think you shouldn’t own a house until you can pay for it in cash.
I haven’t read your books, so I don’t know what your complete stance is on mortgage debt, but if your books say you should buy your house with cash then I would probably be reading that statement with my eyes shut.
September 15, 2011 at 8:08 am
I agree. Open your eyes, and your minds, and recognize that debt is not a necessary way of life and it is avoidable. Don’t take the easy way. Work hard, plan ahead, and pay as you go.
September 15, 2011 at 8:40 am
I’m finding more and more that life today is so fast paced and with access to the Internet, people don’t really read things through. They’ll read a headline and move onto to the next story without getting the in depth news. A lot of people don’t take the time to dig a little deeper. They want someone else to tell them the answers. I’ll share links to interesting subjects (like this website!) but friends won’t read through it. They want the rewards without the work and they want it right now. I feel so sorry for them. It’s almost like they have an attention deficit disorder of some sort.
September 15, 2011 at 8:42 am
It is surprising (or maybe not surprising) how many people, that have their eyes open, are also wearing blinders.
September 15, 2011 at 9:24 am
SavingsMentor said: “I haven’t read your books,”
Check your email, I’m about to correct that
.
September 15, 2011 at 10:11 am
That is what is good about Gails books and blog. My eyes were opened bulging wide at times. Ahhh comprehension!! Comprehension is just as important as reading. I agree with Jutebug. People don’t read anything in depth anymore – so sad!
Blinders come from fear and denial.
An individual should ask themselves am I a woman (or a man) or still a little baby with no responsibility? Get over the fear and act on that debt!
Also asking Gail to SAVE them is just more baby whining.
September 15, 2011 at 10:47 am
“…Ask yourself when last you explored an idea that was in direct conflict with something you thought you knew.” <– Now that is just an amazing quote, Gail!
September 15, 2011 at 11:41 am
Wise words as usual Gail. My maternal grandmother lived to be 92 and her mind was sharp as a tack right up until the end. She was always reading, listening to the news and taking courses at the local community college. She always said “it is a good day when you learn something new” and “you only get old when you stop questioning things” This from a very proper English lady who was raised in the early 1900’s to never question anything she was told LOL.
Needless to say she was my favourite grandmother and my role model. Now to start my day. Wonder what I will learn today????
September 15, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Watch Gail and love her approach to debt management. It is common sense however not everyone possesses common sense and have to be told how to manage their debt. Shopping with their eyes wide shut.
September 15, 2011 at 9:59 pm
I’m going to have to start reading Dr Seuss to my kids soon Gail – you pull so many great lessons out of those books!
Like I’ve said before, if we all followed through on what we taught our children, it’d be a nicer world to live in!
September 15, 2011 at 10:01 pm
By the way @ Diana – well said!
September 16, 2011 at 2:47 am
I find that people love the thought of being spoon fed. I love this message because it shows that it’s not all about working to get there, it’s also about thinking your way through. Making it work for you! Be open minded… if Gails budget says this but that doesn’t fit in your lives… make it work for you!
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