My world is a beautiful place. Resilience, courage, tenacity, and grace have become beautiful character traits that carry me through. Anyone who spends enough time with me will hear me say “the person you become is determined by the books you read and the people you surround yourself with.” A great mentor told me that some time ago in one of the classes that I took, and it’s been the core of my philosophy ever since. I love seeing the diplomas on the beautiful living room wall knowing that what others doubt is true. My progress may be slow at times, but it is progress and movement forward.
If you’re constantly hearing certain ideas, assumptions, and values, you’re likely to end up agreeing with them. That’s human nature. Even specific feelings are catching; if you’re surrounded by sad and grumpy people, it’s hard to maintain a good mood. If you’re with someone who’s cheerful and confident, some of that cheer will rub off on you. The big question is whether the people around you have attitudes you want to catch. It is about balance. Are there people in your life who lift you up? Are there people who inspire you to be the best that you can be?
I have a nemesis in my life who enjoys the obsession of ME. Each and every moment she spends her time watching my moments, my hours, my days! It is her one and only ambition to gossip; what she states is a sin against God and written of in the bible "150 times". Misery loves company and she is good at misery. Her entire town has labeled her as such. Living well and being successful depends on doing a lot of things right. Whatever negative she throws at me, positivity fills my life. Who cares if a person rents, leases or purchases? Did you know that property records can be sealed for a fee? Who cares what education a person has? She cannot do it, so let's condemn me who does. I would not have the career that I do today without education and a degree. And whatever I make is more than nothing or living off of government assistance because I am making it happen. Let's talk about Johnny; his wife left him with an education so she could care for herself; not living on government assistance or someone else. His only care was booze and other women. This is in the attitude! Cleanliness, licenses, paying correct utility bills and taxes, maintaining retirement accounts, taken care of a spouse, making sure my property is clean and beautiful for outside fun and BBQs. I do not care to live in clutter, dirt, animal filth, and smell like cigarette smoke. This is my attitude. This is how I choose to live my life. Yes, I made mistakes but today I am whole, kind, and caring.
There is one aspect I have learned from my nemesis; if you put garbage in, you get garbage out. The point is, it’s your life, and you get to choose what direction you take it. If you are not busy tampering with other persons lives and taking care of your own, perhaps one would be able to take more care of the physical and emotional attitudes around her. Satan doesn't control a person unless the person allows it. When she giggles in the attitude of being heartless and contributing to gossip, she is under the control of Satan and acting as one of his fallen angels. BOOYAH can be a symbol of love, positivity, and care. Or it can be the demise filled with cruelty and negativity. Only she can make the decision!
As we love, share, and invite, we take part in that great and glorious work that prepares the earth for the return of its Messiah.
- Gary E. Stevens
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