Thought For The Day:
Our World, Our Choice.
I recently read that we are strongly influenced by the five people we associate with most. It got my attention. I made a mental list. The statement also triggered the memory of what a respected mentor said about negative people in our lives: Love them, bless them, leave them. That might not be so easy when, for whatever reason, we simply can’t walk away. And the Pollyanna part of me wanted to believe that a positive person can pull up a negative person. Life has taught me otherwise. I have come to believe it is often just the opposite.
Okay, I have posed a problem. What’s the solution? I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I have learned from my experiences, my mistakes, and from searching for answers and direction all my life. First, as you think about your five, how many fit the following description?
- Just connecting with them brings you up.
- Your conversation often includes laughter.
- They respect you and appreciate you.
- They accept you as you are – warts and all.
- They are joyful for your successes and sad when you fail.
- They often guide you, gently, to become better than you are
No question, you are rich when blessed with friends, work associates, or relatives like that. But how do you handle those who are just the opposite — those who bring you down or demoralize you? Some thought-starters:
- Confront tactfully, regarding your needs. Marsha Sinitar, a noted psychologist, taught me to counter by saying: I have put myself on a good news diet.
- Change the subject – tactfully and rapidly.
- Minimize contact whenever feasible.
- Accept that the only behavior you can control is your own. (The missionary part of us must know that we can’t save people from themselves.)
- If it is someone close in your life, then it may be time for a serious heart to heart or additional help.
A loaded question – Do the five people closest to you see you as a positive influence in their lives?
This has been one of my more serious posts dear readers. But as always, my intention is to share what I think and feel and to welcome hearing your opinions, experiences, and thoughts. My wish, as we enter this fall season – may you be blessed with even more than five positive people in your life.
