Ignore the naysayers

Ignore the naysayers-by Sal Celly

Life is not a bed of roses. It isn’t fair and it certainly isn’t easy. Many times, it doesn’t go the way we want it to go or in the timeframe we desire. God has a plan for each of us. We must do our bit and choose well- choose carefully how and where you invest your time, effort and heart. Choose who you spend time with-your friends, relatives and work colleagues.

Be wary of negativity and Debbie-downers who have nothing constructive to say, add or bring to the table. You do not need people like that in your life. If you spend time with negative people, you will become negative as well. Surround yourself with the right folks and get the wrong folks off the bus…. your bus that is taking you down the road to your life, not theirs. The bus is moving forward-either they get on the bus and contribute to its journey in a positive way, or they get off the bus.

Beware of false teachers and sheep that are in wolves’ skin. Not everyone has your best interest in mind. Most people are only looking at their own interest, and will ignore and even harm your interest, if you are not careful. Take responsibility for where you are in life, your actions, the counsel you heed and the company you keep.

To be interesting, first be interested. Everybody wants to be heard. Give them the hearing they so deserve. If speaking is silver, then listening is Platinum.  Remember, it is not about you, but about them. If you want the customer to buy, you must first be ready to sell and be bought from. Given that this is so simple, it is seldom practiced. The best way to build rapport and develop trust is to ask the question and then keep quiet and let them talk. Then ask another follow up question and let them answer. And again, and again……

There was a reason God gave each of us, one mouth and two ears. Let’s use our faculties in the proportion they were meant to be used as-give a fish to a hungry person, you will have an immediate friend, but teach them how to fish and you will have a friend for life.

People can’t survive without hope. Hope keeps us going through life, such as challenging experiences or fears of what our/(the) future may hold. We live in a fallen world where people face poverty, disease, hunger, injustice, disaster, war, terrorism, etc. (you get the point here) we need hope, more importantly we cannot survive without a living hope. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect forty million adults in the United States, or just over 18% of the population. People with anxiety disorders go to doctors three to five times more than the general population (https://adaa.org). Choose wisely and be discerning to recognize people’s true motives quickly. Protect your mind from negative thoughts, people and stimuli. Then take action appropriately.