What’s been going on with me? Not a whole heck of a lot, really. Lately, I’ve been very, very introspective which can be both a blessing and a curse when you think about it.
Too much time on my hands to think is almost a sure fire way for me to get into trouble.
As the holidays approach I suppose I become more and more wistful. I’ve experienced a lot of death in my life and the holidays make the losses seem more pronounced. I also have the time to re-evaluate my existing relationships. What are you willing to tolerate from others? You probably remember that I’m only going to keep about 30 friends for the rest of my life, right?
It was fifty, but I don’t think I need that many. It’s hard to keep track of that many and quite frankly, I don’t wish to keep in contact. So, before the new year, I’m going to do some pruning. It’s necessary. What purpose does it serve to hang on to a relationship that has no purpose? If you’re not in contact with the person at least once a month, guess what? It’s pretty much over.
Now, there are exceptions. You have friends with whom you don’t have to communicate every week or even every month. These friends have a place in your soul and that’s groovy. They are few and far between…but you know who I’m talking about…the folks who expect you to remain where you are…in that one place, that one image of how they perceive you to be, and when you’re not there, they act stricken. Too bad. Cut ‘em loose. They’re not terribly concerned about your development and chances are they’re more concerned with their own lives to even notice that you’ve dropped ‘em. Mourn the loss for a bit and move on.
It’s liberating to excise the unnecessary weight from my spirit. Try it…it may just get you moving in the right direction. You can’t always keep friends around just because you’ve got a history. Sometimes the season has played out. Recognize it and keep on steppin’.
Try not to place blame, just ackowledge that it’s time to change. You can do it. You’ll be surprised how good it feels, actually.
Also take some time to process it all. It’s strange, but it’s vital to your growth, guys. Don’t hang on just because; move forward because you must. Some folks are gonna hang on and some folks need to hang up. It’s okay. Keep growing. I know I’m trying…