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Monday, June 25, 2012
Lifting Each Other Higher
Another pearl from Miss O.
The people in our lives have a direct influence on what we believe about life, about ourselves, our talents, our fears and our futures. You know the old adage, if you're told you're dumb or ugly often enough, you believe it. Regardless of whether it's true or not.
A friend of mine quit a job that he loved because the people around him were toxic. It was such a brave thing to do. I knew how much he loved what the job stood for, and the company (bet you can't guess which company....).
Several months have gone by, and I see this friend so infrequently now. . . but I do hear from him regularly, and he "feels" so much lighter and happier now! His choice was a wonderful and healthy choice for him. And I hear him saying he won't return to the company as long as the toxic people are in place. It's so inspiring to see someone do this. He chose not to buy into the attitudes and toxicity. He chose not to be a victim. He's enjoying all of his life now. I couldn't be happier for him.
We can't always jump ship when we're dealing with toxic people or relationships. But we can make choices about how much energy we give those relationships. How much time we spend with those people. How much we choose to invest in their perspectives and opinions. We always have that power.
I began making some of these hard choices a couple years ago, and I've watched my life grow steadily happier. I'm writing again, I'm feeling good about myself and my life because I'm not wasting time, effort, energy, support and attention on people and situations that drain, deflate and devalue.
I was at a B-52's/Squeeze concert recently, and people were bouncing beach-balls through the crowd, taking turns keeping them aloft. Whomever was closest, kept the ball in motion. And if that isn't a good visual for how we can uplift and support each other, I don't know what is.
If the opportunity comes my way, I will choose not to deflate you, but to keep your balloon in the air. :) And I will surround myself with others who do likewise.
~Shephard :)
posted by Shephard @ 