Today’s Thought & Question for January 31, 2026: When your aim ain’t that good


Question of the Day: What words, instead of curse words, do you say in front of children?

Thought of the Day: I am to please, but my aim ain’t that good.

__________

Most days, I am not trying to impress anyone.

I am trying not to make things worse.

That is especially true when children are nearby and something unexpected happens. A spill. A loud noise. A frustrating moment that arrives without warning. My brain scrambles, my mouth hesitates, and out comes a phrase that is absolutely not what I meant to say, but also not what I almost said either.

Today’s Thought of the Day sits right in that space.

“I am to please, but my aim ain’t that good.”

It feels honest in a way that advice rarely does. It admits intention and imperfection at the same time. I want to do right by the people around me. I want my words to land gently. And yet, they do not always cooperate.

The Question of the Day takes this one step further. It asks what words you use instead of swearing when kids are listening. The answers tend to be funny, revealing, inherited, or invented on the spot. They say a lot about how we were raised and how we are trying to raise the people watching us now.

This is not a post about being polished. It is about that brief pause where you choose restraint instead of release. Where you aim for care, even if you miss.

If you want to read the full reflection and see how the Thought and Question connect, you can read today’s post here: Thought of the Day and Question of the Day: Mind Your Aim

Thanks for reading.

—Ken

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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Ken Kaus · Low Two Pair

Low Two Pair is a short daily email with a Question of the Day and a Thought of the Day. It’s quiet, reflective, and meant to be read when there’s a moment. No hype. No hustle.

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