A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

By Vernalee

When people wear behavioral disguises; it is difficult to recognize them or determine what’s real and what’s fake. Once the masquerade is over and the mask comes off, the illumination of the real person shines with glaring brilliance. You then see who they really are! They are those people who “talk out of both sides of their mouth.” How pretentious of them! Deception is their middle name. They walk in and out of our lives effortlessly, often times because we can’t discern their ever changing and spontaneous behavior. Man, are they smooth operators!

They are the great pretenders. They can definitely rise to the occasion. Their chameleon effects often leave you speechless. Their theatrics could fool the best. They are just that good; exceptionally convincing! They get better with age. But as the days go by, so does the revelation of who they are! It never fails; time always tells! Eventually, their true behavioral traits rip through the seams. When those embryonic stems become adult roots, the accompanying conduct follows; it becomes very telling! Wow! The person that you thought was a sheep is really a wolf! That pearly white sheep skin is really the character of the big bad wolf! Though the discovery of the wolf in sheep’s clothing may be an excruciating experience, don’t be dismayed! Instead be thankful that you found out in time before you were torn to smithereens! Baa, baa, black sheep! Photo reprint: www.shop.factory43.com

EXTENDING AN OLIVE BRANCH

By Vernalee To extend an olive branch is to make an “offer of peace or to approach a foe in the spirit of conciliation. Biblical in origin, the phrase is derived from the story of Noah, where a dove delivers Noah an olive branch as a sign that the flood waters were receding. Historically and interestingly, olive branches were symbolic of peace as well as victory. At some point in our lives, we may consider extending an olive branch to settle a dispute or resolve an issue. Some people believe that it takes an immense amount of courage to take this action, as it often comes with an admission of wrongdoing and regret. Therefore, the offer of an olive branch would suggest that someone is tired of of fighting, whether it is an actual real life battle or a falling out between friends. If you’ve ever seen an olive branch, it’s not very strong. It’s actually quite delicate. It’s so light that a dove could fly with it with ease. It’s interesting that something so fragile carries the weight of one of humanity’s powerful gift: forgiveness. To forgive someone is an essential element of peace. How can you be at peace with someone against whom you hold a grudge? Forgiveness is also part of the golden rule. We all long to be forgiven when we’ve messed up. We all want a fresh start. It only makes sense to give the thing that we want the most of from other people.” It’s critical and indeed healthy that we move on. Forgiving and being forgiven are integral parts of that process. Saying, “I’m sorry” goes a long way. Apologies are golden. It’s essential that we make peace offerings. Why continue to be miserable? Bury the hatchet and the grudge. Don’t allow the anger, anxiety, or misstep that caused the problem and the frustration build up in your heart and take a seat in your soul. Shake if off. How else will the sprinkles of rain stop falling in your life? Be the bigger person. Extend the olive branch! You have everything to gain; little or nothing to lose. Be at peace with yourself … and others! Photo credit: www.how-to-cope.com; Source: www.grammarist.com; www.wisegeek.org; www.beliefnet.com

YOU MADE YOUR BED. NOW SLEEP IN IT.

By Vernalee

If someone says “you've made your bed, now sleep in it, they are essentially telling you in an unsympathetic way that you have to accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions or decisions.” Unfortunately, changing the sheets does not remove the aftermath of poor decision making.

Growing up, my Mother said those words to me so often that I had surreptitiously developed a lyrical jingle to the words; a jingle that I dare not utter in her presence!

If I did something that was wrong or didn’t make sense, I also heard the second part of the quote. “You did it ... now you have to pay the price.“ Those words became memorable assets and a future road map that assisted in navigating my path. For sure, you cannot create your own storm and get mad when it rains!

The bottom line, whether at work or play, is that you have to face and/or

suffer the consequences of your actions.

Therefore, it pays to think carefully before you act because once it’s done, you can’t take it back! You have to lie in the bed that you made!

Photo credit: wis.pr