Thieves take what doesn’t belong to them like our valuables, so naturally, we must be careful. However, the sort of thieves that we also have to be aware of, as well, are those people who are shallow and narcissistic. These are the people who do their best to steal our Joy in life. We must be aware of them also and keep them out of our lives.
So, how do we notice these types of people? We need to be careful to watch for those whose actions don’t match the words that they speak. These are people who will act caring towards you then turn around and talk about you behind your back and do anything that they can to jeopardize your successes. These are also the people who tell you what you want to hear and then do just the opposite or even do something that’s not in your best interest. These are people who will promise that they will take care of you then seem to forget that you even existed. These people may be our neighbors, coworkers, family, and, most importantly, our elected officials.
Perhaps the most difficult part for us is understanding how they can continue to give promises but then fail to live up to those promises, time and time again. Perhaps they keep giving excuses for why they didn’t (or even couldn’t) complete what they said they would instead of actually doing it. Perhaps they blame other people for their own choices. That is, to me, the biggest red flag of all.
Now, what can we do about them? There are always options. First, we have to follow our gut instinct. We need to pay attention to the words and actions of those around us. If they don’t match then that is our first clue. Secondly, we need to distance ourselves from those who don’t have our best interests in mind. Thirdly, we also need to see them for what they actually are. If it is a neighbor, a coworker, or a family member, then the best thing to do is keep your distance. If it is an elected official, then study up on that person and make your voice heard through your vote. Regardless of who they are, don’t let yourself become a victim of their conniving ways. Stay strong even when they try to talk down to you or belittle you for your values. Realize how much stronger you are for not having that poison in your life. Remember that Joy is your reward for having the strength to remain firm and diligent.
So, what did I learn from this? I have learned to stand up for what I believe. I have learned not to compromise my values for what others say that I should believe. I have learned to stand up for others who are bullied even though I don’t like confrontations. I listen to the words of others then I watch to see if their actions match what they are saying. In the end, I surround myself with people who love and support me and who make me a better person.
What can you gain from this? The freedom that comes with opening your eyes to how some people are, can at first be disheartening. However, once you’ve become wiser about them then you can begin to see how burdened those sorts of people are. Remember that you can’t save them from the rabbit hole that they are going down. You just have to realize that at some point that they will get what they deserve and you don’t have to go down that hole with them. In the end, realize that they are weak and you are stronger than them!
A Joyful Mission 