Reflection # 16 People in My Life
The Gap Year
Reflection # 16 People in My Life
“It is love alone that gives worth to all things.” –Teresa of Avila
People have come and gone through the years. Some I miss and wish I could locate. To others, I say good riddance. Now I take this moment and write two lists. The first holds the positive people in my life. These are my spouse, friends, and family who make me smile and laugh. We have meaningful conversations. I’ve been fortunate to have a long-life husband to hang out with. I look forward to being with him and others, anticipating our together times as if going to a party. We have good chemistry. Our presence to one another is a gift. A few are even witnesses to my life, as I am a witness to theirs.
The second list holds those whom I anticipate with reluctance or dread. I recall painful relationships that continue to leave a bitter taste in my mouth. This is not judging them, only my level of engagement around them. Some adults scold children or speak down about others. I don’t have time for them. I don’t pay attention to those who gossip negatively about others.
I also have people who raise the negativity level in any room. They might be contrary, pessimistic, uninformed, uncurious, or otherwise unpleasant. I may have to see them on occasion, but I want to limit my exposure to their slights and negative vibes. Some friends need a lot of care. With them, I decide how much energy I have and then spend time with them accordingly.
Who is on your “positive” list? And who is on the “reluctance or dread” list? Harsh as this may sound, we don’t need the burden of negative energy that drains. We can decide to step away from cynical people. This allows us to give time and energy to those who enrich our lives and to whose lives we can add enrichment.
Now it’s your turn
Take time to reflect and if in a group, share as you feel able.
When I think about how I feel about other people:
a) I truly enjoy friends, family, and neighbors and spend time with them.
b) I like other people but don’t set dates with them.
c) I don’t care a lot about being with other people.
d) I do things alone much of the time.