don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

OK, let’s assume for a moment that you have an appreciation for, as well as a habit of, actually practicing self-management fundamentals. You understand the importance of self-responsibility and look for ways to assume it at all times. You are physically fit, you follow sound nutritional principles and managing stress is a piece of cake. Great -- that’s a strong foundation for wellness. In addition, you take self-management to the next level, remaining open to new ways to have fun, find meaning, satisfaction and added purpose in your life and work. That’s terrific. What's more, you have a predisposition to think critically and engage in bemused skepticism, and you have the skills to do both. Finally, as if that were not quite enough, you consciously shape a supportive environment and maintain a positive mindset and perspective. Is there anything left to do, or have you ascended to the zenith, the apex or summit of wellness artistry? You’re set for life, right? What else could you do? You sound awesome and simply wonderful. If you get any weller, you’ll be insufferable!

Not really. There is yet another concept you might want to complement your growing body of talents and capacities as a lifestyle artist. You can add bemused skepticism to your already formidable self-management repertoire!

Bemused skepticism or BS is a quality that entails reserving judgment or a decision about anything important until you have had time to apply your critical thinking talents to the matter at hand.

Let’s say someone tells you he has a product, say a line of vitamin and mineral supplements, that will increase your energy, shrink your derriere or grow hair on top of your head. What say you? Following the style of a BS artist, you would be attentive, respectful and kind, and even aloof or seemingly impressed—but you would not buy or otherwise decide in favor, either. You would instead employ an attitude of bemused skepticism! Assuming you were even mildly interested, you would ask for evidence, and require that it be from a disinterested third party—and take your time before deciding one way or the other.

What do you think -- am I on to something here or does practicing bemused skepticism keep you from leaping forward to make a commitment at this stage? Consider, if you will, that an idea need not be perfect. As you might have heard, the perfect is the enemy of the impossible -- guard against the idea that you have to get it all just right before making a few things better than they were before.

With that excellent rationalization, I rest my case for bemused skepticism -- for now.

With or without it, do look on the bright side of life. Cheers.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MEANING DOMAIN under the skill area of humor. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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