All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming. – Helen Keller
Many times in our lives we are subjected to other people’s negative comments or actions. Pretty much, you find that others, at times, will say and do something that just absolutely triggers a very uncomfortable, sticky, smelly, emotional storm inside of you. When that happens, they have just spread the manure.
Once the manure is spread, one of two things will happen. Either you will make the choice to live in the weeds that will sprout, or you will make a flower from this. What do I mean by all this manure, weeds, and flowers?
Let’s take an example. On 9/11 we were all subjected to a very large spreading of manure when a tragic act of terrorism took place. After this event many of us felt an enormous emotional storm inside that left us feeling pretty (place expletive here that also describes manure, lol).
From this manure of emotions sprouted a great deal of negative hateful thoughts and behaviors; these are the weeds. These negative hateful thoughts and behaviors can take over your life and get you to become something you are not. In other words, this event spirals you into negativity and darkness as the weeds continue to grow.
However, many of us choose to weed ourselves of that negativity, began to make a flower, and let the terrorists know that they cannot control or terrorize our lives by their manure and weeds!
Flowers have grown as evidenced by the numbers of young people flocking to the military, the patriotism that has fostered, and the coming together of a nation along with many other positive aspects.
How does this relate to you and your life? Simply, throughout your life you will experience a great deal of crappy events or statements made by other people. When you have those crappy times, and you will feel crappy inside, you must remember that such crap will fertilize weeds or flowers. The choice is yours in which you want to control your life.
The process is simple, manure is spread. We feel crappy and it just stinks! From these events weeds will fester within our minds and our life, making it real tough for us to experience great joy and happiness. However, if we decide to grow, learn, or use the event then we grow flowers and rid ourselves of the weeds and the stench of manure. Then we finally begin to smell the greatness of beautifully grown flowers!
So, the next time you experience a manure spreading, the choice is yours! Live in the weeds and stench, or find a way to grow flowers from this and make a difference in the lives of others. Remember, the choice is always yours!
Chris Swenson is a licensed Couple and Family Therapist currently helping people face the challenges of life at his private practice counseling office in Sterling, CO (Rhino Wellness Center). To contact Chris, you can call 970-522-0796 or schedule an appointment online at www.rhinowellnesscenter.com