Grand Junction Columnist Whiting Shares Wisdom on Experience

The sun rises over the Colorado National Monument, casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape. As the day begins, the sounds of the city slowly come to life - the hum of traffic on Grand Avenue, the chatter of pedestrians on Main Street. It's a typical morning in Grand Junction, where the beauty of nature coexists with the hustle and bustle of daily life. But amidst the routine, a question lingers: what is the value of experience, humor, and common sense?

As columnist Whiting puts it, "Simplistic focus and deferring are the strategies of youth." This approach may have worked for younger generations, but as Whiting notes, "after surviving several decades, we've learned deferring life's issues is like maintenance. It only serves to magnify their consequences when they reemerge, which they always do." In other words, experience has taught Whiting that problems don't disappear just because we ignore them or push them aside. Instead, they often come back to haunt us, and with more severe consequences.

Whiting's perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of human nature and the importance of logical thinking. "Common sense indicates issues are best solved by logic," Whiting writes. This approach is reflected in Whiting's humorous anecdotes about using logic to navigate everyday situations. For instance, Whiting jokes about using a urinalysis test to diagnose health issues, saying "if ants gather, we have diabetes; if the grass dries up, too much salt; if it smells like barbecue, we have high cholesterol; if we forget to pull up our pants, it's Alzheimer's." While these examples are clearly tongue-in-cheek, they illustrate Whiting's point about the value of logical thinking in solving problems.

Whiting also applies this logical approach to the workplace, where "the best use of a get-better-soon card is to give it to a co-worker that's not sick; they could just do better." This kind of humor can help to build stronger relationships with colleagues and improve overall job satisfaction. As Whiting notes, "logic applies to coworker nicknames: Lava Lamp: looks good but not very bright; Deck Chair: folds under pressure; 007: 0 motivation, 0 skills, 7 bathroom breaks; Justin: does just enough not to get fired; Motion Light: only works when someone walks by." These lighthearted examples demonstrate the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and being able to laugh at everyday situations.

However, Whiting's column also touches on a more serious note, lamenting the loss of meaningful experiences and connections in an era dominated by digital media. "We know when society began going downhill: when cruising Main Street in a cool car listening to great music was replaced by scrolling in your bedroom," Whiting writes. This shift towards a more isolated, screen-based existence has significant implications for how we interact with each other and the world around us. As Whiting observes, "in 40 to 50 years, think about what old people will have to show their grandkids. Our photos are of us with other people with a story involved... In the future it's, 'What are these photos, Grandma?' 'It's what I had for breakfast. Here's some shoes I thought about buying. The wing of a plane on our vacation.'" This commentary highlights the importance of preserving meaningful experiences and relationships, rather than simply curating a digital persona.

The question is whether we can find a balance between the benefits of technology and the importance of human connection. As Whiting's column suggests, experience and humor can provide valuable guidance in navigating this complex issue. By embracing the wisdom of older generations and combining it with the energy and idealism of younger people, we may be able to create a more compassionate, connected, and meaningful community. As Whiting puts it, "we're not slinking into the shadows, but rather sharing that it's better to solve problems when they occur with experiential knowledge, common sense, and humor." But for now, Whiting's words offer a timely reminder of the enduring power of experience, humor, and the insights gained from a life well-lived.