IS THIS YOUR BATTLE?

By Vernalee

Are you in the middle of someone else’s dispute? Hold up! It’s easy to be innocently intertwined when technically you are not involved. Folks love reeling others in their mess! When people are fighting all around you, how protected do you feel? Listen intently! When I heard a neighboring colleague say to his coworker, “The gloves are off,” so was I! Off I went! I wasn’t taking a chance getting caught in the middle of a crossfire between two people who wanted to “take it to the streets!” Their issue was not mine’s. I have enough hills to climb on my own. When animosity is out of control and there is no one to enforce law and order, your alternatives are limited … if you hang around!

It may be best to “get out from among them!” Why should I get involved when it’s not my fight!

It’s not being a coward, it’s being smart. Photo credit: www.wearedeltafa.com

IN ONE EAR OUT THE OTHER

By Vernalee

In one ear; out the other” is an expression that means that the words were heard without any influence or effect. That phrase is meaningful particularly when you hear words from a person whose conduct is deceitful and dishonest. Their echo go into the left ear and with rapid speed immediately come out the right one! Why retain lies when the truth sounds so much better? When people are liars, it is difficult to recall how many times promises were made and broken; how often spoken words became immediate untruths? Resounding articulation is ever present, but credibility doesn’t exist from their lips. You cannot believe anything that they say! When you master the skill of blocking people out, the reality of their words being in your midst are moot. Fair play; right? Why clutter your mental capillaries with filth? Your time and your mind are much too valuable! That is why some folks have no idea what happened because their words were floating in thin air as they traveled in one ear and out of the other! Hear, hear! Photo credit: www.sheofferedthemchrist.files.wordpress.com

YOU FIRST

By Vernalee

When we travel, the flight attendants alert us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before attempting to help others. This is not a selfish command, but one of immense survival. How can you help others, if you are struggling; if you are not secure? In like manner, how can you guide others, if you are lost and don’t know what to do? It is imperative that we sufficiently get ourselves together before we extend help to others. There is a strong tendency to follow when the leaders know what they are doing and where they are going! Right? Operating from a position of strength helps us to help ourselves and better direct others. This strength extends beyond our physical capacity, but travels to the realms of our emotional inner self. It starts with us! We cannot reasonably ask of others what we cannot or refuse to do ourselves. If we are a beacon, others will see our light from afar. Our stability helps us to better assist others; to become a beacon of hope.

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

-John Maxwell Photo credit: www.slideshare.net