Pride_Dignity

Pride is a tricky player. When do you swallow your pride? When do you take your pride and run with it? In my mind, the most ethical code goes a little something like this: "As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all people." The gray areas are where it is difficult to distinguish how to deal in a situation. My supreme advice to anyone willing to listen will always prevail: Take your pride and run with it. This stands firm, unless of course you know you have wronged someone, then it is necessary to make amends and swallow your pride. 

So many people feel the need to validate a situation through confrontation. Confrontation shows emotion; it shows that you are upset--that you care. Some may argue and say, "well I do care!" In order to keep your pride intact, the best thing to do when you have been wronged, is not to give that person any part of you. In other words, don't waste your time on them. The trick is to stay cordial. If you see them around a lot, mutual friends etc. be fine around them. Lose the contempt, and treat them like any other acquaintance in the room. The downgrading of their status with you will be enough for them to realize and feel the regret if it exists. And If not it is still easier for you.. you are in a positive mindset that says that you are above the situation. You are not messing with it, nor are you wasting any more time with someone who has once taken your pride.

It is important to realize that you cannot change people. If someone has treated you poorly, they made a conscious decision to do so. Leave them to figure out how to establish atonement. It is definitely not the 'easy way out,' but it is worth it. If that person never comes to you, you have learned a customized way of finding out whether this person is someone worth keeping around. Incontrovertibly this poses a risk factor and anxiety. But it is consequential to remember who you are, what you stand for, and what kinds of things you will and will not tolerate.

“Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive.”

Random Thoughts

I'm not really sure what I really want to write about right now, so I think I might just go on a little random tangent based on recent thoughts...bear with me.

-Being different is a good thing, never be afraid of that...even if it makes you stick out and even sometimes feel ashamed or embarassed. Embrace that part of you!!! It is uniqueness and nothing beats it.

-Sometimes you have to look at your actions and see if they match up with your personal ideals. If not, change something next time, but be happy, don't dwell on the past. 

-Be grateful for your health, it is like a rare gem not always appreciated until it has gone missing, then you wish with all your heart you had it back.

-Look critically at the people you surround yourself with. Decide: do they lift you up, or bring you down. 

-Respect is the greatest first impression you can show another person. Being too polite is better than being less than kind.

-Listen to other peoples' input. Thinking on these things can open you up if you are truly willing to ponder anothers' perspective.

-Do. not. use. people. Simply do not take advantage of another person. People are people just like you, and just like you have feelings, they do too. Karma has a way of making it's way around for those who treat others without courtesy or solely for their own benefit.

-There is nothing more refreshing than a humble person. It is not necessary to assert "power" over others. Power lies in humility.

-Follow your instincts. If you feel like it's a shady situation, it probably is.

-First things first, take your pride and run with it; don't look back...unless the situation deems it necessary to swallow your pride.