Tag Archives: Broadcast

Under Water

19 Apr

Every day we experience something new. We can manage our own lives but most of what comes to us is beyond our control. Other people constantly make decisions we know nothing about, circumstances change, and sometimes the road that was clear and open yesterday is completely blocked and cloudy today. Lots of things can change all at once and we may find ourselves suddenly and completely overwhelmed. Like being under water we can see what’s around us and manage things for a time, but if we want to survive, we must find a way to surface. It’s unlikely any problem we face will have the threat of actual death, but it may seem we’re being destroyed if all our plans have suddenly collapsed and we’re left standing in the wreckage. We may feel like we’re drowning and can’t breathe. Terrible things may happen, disasters may come, and in the beginning, we may have no idea how to get through, but we are stronger than we think we are and already possess everything we need to succeed. We can trust that no matter what comes we’ll find our way. We can take time to regroup, see the options before us and then step forward toward the future. Life is filled with uncertainty and we can’t predict what will come, but everything we need will always be there for us and we will find the road ahead. There will always be another day and the sun will rise again. Nothing is powerful enough to hold us down forever, and we will prevail.

People are creative and when they’re determined to do something, will figure out how to get to it. They may not care if what they want pushes us out of the way or blocks us from the road we want to take. They may take something we wanted for ourselves and barely look back as they rush forward. We can learn to modify our plans when needed, adjust to unexpected changes, and continue forward despite any unplanned developments. We know what we want and are smart enough to find our way to the destinations we desire, no matter what comes.

Some people are loud and need to broadcast every success they achieve. “Look at me, look at me,” they seem to say. It’s nice to get recognition when we’ve accomplished something difficult, but the real prize is what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown along the way. Everything we do teaches us something new and as we struggle through difficulties and complications, we gain skills we can take with us in the future. Nothing can compare to the great satisfaction that comes from overcoming a very hard challenge. We are intelligent and wise, and can solve any problem that comes, no matter how complicated or tangled. Success is always there for us and we will achieve it.

Today if the road ahead is suddenly no longer available and everywhere you look there are problems and complications, step back and look at all the options before you. Decide how you want to proceed and look forward. You have everything you need to reach the goal. Nothing can overcome you and you will find success. Be confident. You are amazing and capable, and will find the way.

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Out of Bounds

4 Nov

Sometimes in our relationships with others, we discuss or share things that are personal. We tell them very private thoughts about certain areas of our lives, or talk about our hopes and dreams with them. When we do, unless we say it’s okay to share our comments, we may expect them to keep them to themselves. But sometimes, those close to us tell others what we’ve said and it makes us uncomfortable. If it’s something very private, it may hurt us that they told someone else. If we share something confidential and ask that it not be repeated, and then discover others have been told, it’s a very personal betrayal. It can be embarrassing and painful to learn that our private thoughts have been tossed around. Those who betray our trust sometimes think telling others is okay, but if we’ve asked them to keep it private, their thoughts mean little.  It’s appropriate to trust a boundary with a friend. If that trust isn’t honored, it can be very hurtful.

There are some people who have no filters. They repeat everything they hear to everyone they know. They don’t believe there should be any walls around information, and they often don’t care what others think. They may give their word to protect what they’ve heard, but then are unable to keep it. When we have someone like that close to us, it can be devastating to discover our inner most thoughts and feelings have been broadcast. We can feel humiliated and exposed. Everyone has the right to make any decision they like, but if those decisions hurt us, we need to evaluate our relationship with them. If they can’t be trusted to keep our confidence, we must protect it.

Some people don’t believe it makes any difference if everyone knows our private thoughts, and if we cherish our privacy and hold it dear, we need to protect ourselves from sharing with them. If they are someone close to us, and we love them, that can be difficult. We may forget their inability to hold our comments to themselves and in times of distress, open up to them. Boundaries are important and we are the only ones who can protect our own. If we share and are betrayed, it hurts. We must define who can and who can’t be trusted with our private thoughts. Once we understand who they are, and accept that even those who love us may not be trustworthy with our boundaries, we can make wiser decisions. Protecting our privacy is our responsibility. We can define our boundaries any way we choose, and we can do whatever is needed to protect them.

Today if you’ve been exposed in ways that have hurt you, and if your boundaries have been betrayed, you can protect yourself going forward. You can have close relationships with others who don’t understand your boundaries and still ensure your privacy by guarding what you share. Understand the limits of the people close to you, and you will be comfortable going forward. Your boundaries are sacred and should be honored. You are entitled to them, and you may protect them.

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