relationships ...

Looking back over my path, I have noticed that it all focuses on one thing - relationships. For an outsider, my biggest flaw would be too much 'hanging on'. For an insider, it is saying 'I am always here' to the ones who say 'I'm back'. This year I can finally say I am at peace with others. I like to make lists. It clears up and puts to order what I have discovered. This is my Relationship list:

1) You CANNOT tell others what to do.
I've have always felt on edge when I had others tell me what to do especially my bosses. I used to feel bad but not any more. I am proactive with solutions. I do not wait for reviews nor do I set myself up by asking for a solution. I prevent others quietly and respectfully from telling me what to do. Now if I don't like it when others tell me what to do then I cannot tell others what to do even unconsciously by giving them advise. I know try to be on my toes and make them think and find their own solutions. I plant 'seeds' by asking questions. Never why questions.
2) You CANNOT save others nor fix them.
I stumbled into this one having a discussion about not telling others what to do. I had to stop because unconsciously I do this. It is ok for others to make mistakes. Their solutions or their path is not going to look like mine. My path is uniquely God-Designed for me. I like different.
3) You can only work with what others bring to the table.
What did they bring to the table? Don't worry about what they didn't bring or what they have hidden under the table. Maybe they didn't bring much. You don't know why. Don't get stuck there. This is where you get to be creative!!! My pet words are 'pack the sunshine.' I am bringing the party. I am determined to have a good time for all. The enemy is a thief and I am keeping the joy.
4) Be choosy with those you keep around you but be friendly to all.
Whoa! If you wanted to be my friend, I was going to try to keep you. Not a good idea. I can be choosy with who gets close to my heart and soul. I am learning to 'flee' from the voices that I do not know. John 10 talks about 'stranger danger' and it isn't for just little kids. If it is not the Shephards voice, you do not follow! I can also say no. Saying no doesn't mean I lost my nice girl. Saying no means I am protecting my wellspring of life. Being alone for my entire life made me accept behavior from others that I didn't need to. I just wanted a tiny bit of attention. Not any more. If I have been alone for this long, I can go more miles alone. I am keeping my hand in God-Alone.
5) Trust is earned. Respect is given.
When I searched my blog for a piece I did on respect, I was shocked at how many times I have talked about respect! It is one of my many soapboxes! [r-e-s-p-e-c-t]

Well, this is what I am living by these days. I am must more at peace with my world. No more wasting time with worrying about what wasn't brought to the table. More time to see into the eyes. More time investing...