evile

My friend D. posted this in her blog. I found it incredibly helpful, and really in-line with the thoughts & feelings I've been having lately about needing to 'clean house' physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

http://sacredshrineofmwtast.org/creating_positive_community.html

KEYS TO CREATING POSITIVE COMMUNITY

These are tips which I have learned through the years.

* As I thrive on my positive friendships and associations, I refuse to give any unnecessary energy to negative people or circumstances.

* When I can, I give my energy to changing circumstances for the better.

* I focus on drawing positive, truthful, loving, respectful, upbeat, and progressive people to me.

* Extend your demands for positive associations to your choice of physicians, grocers, restaurants, etc. Don't just accept service at any ol' level.

* I give messages of encouragement and appreciation to those inside my circle and out. If you are not currently doing so, begin encouraging others today.
It's not just about receiving -- giving brings things into Maat (balance).

* If someone doesn't have my best interest at heart he is soon booted outside of my sphere. Don't be afraid to clean house if you need to. You can always rebuild.

* Disrespect means I need to "disengage" from the individual.

* An elder I knew always said, "Association calls for assimilation." Look at who you chose to surround yourself with. I know from experience that it is difficult to remain positively focused when you're around folks who act like they are carrying the world's weight on their shoulders, and feel you should too. Negativity can catch you like a dust cloud.

* Don't keep giving energy to folks who hold on to limited expectations of themselves. I'm the kind of person who sees the greater potential of and hopes the best for just about everyone. I had to learn that you can't keep wanting more for folks than they are willing to want for themselves. Encouraging words and deeds are one thing -- talking to a paneled wall is another. Put your energy in places where you know it will be beneficial.

* If you are lonely, don't compromise your morals and ethics for the sake of being around people. Loneliness can tempt you into allowing yourself to hang around questionable people who you wouldn't ordinarily hang with on a good day. Again, "Association calls for assimilation." Protect yourself. You are worth it.

* Limit or end your associations with bitter, unmotivated, stagnant people. Trust me, most of the time if they're couch potatoes, they don't want to see you boarding a jet to fulfill your destiny. Many can often find the most underhanded ways to try to make a space for you on their sofa.

* Avoid "Crazy Making" people. As a minister, certainly, I deal with all kinds of folks. But I no longer tolerate situations where people are unpredictable, irresponsible, sneaky, nebulous, or rude. If a person is that way in his everyday life that's on him. Just don't invite me to be an actor in that drama.

* Hold firm within your positivity. You'd be surprised how the energy of a whole room can shift because of one person. Be responsible for positive vibrational shifts.

* Allow yourself to SEE more for yourself so you can BE more for yourself. Then surround yourself with positive folks with whom you can mutually FREE yourselves.

* Believe that we will ascend as a people. It will take time, but it will happen. We can't afford to keep pulling each other down. We've got to pull each other up.