by Tammy Logue
I was sitting on my couch one morning drinking my first cup of coffee when I noticed our sprinkler system had come on. Although that is normal, what isn’t normal is that it was watering an area that doesn’t need water. Let me explain… We live on an acre of land that has over 100 trees. I am not sure how much you know about property size but having 100 trees is a LOT on an acre! The entire house is surrounded by beautiful grass that is lush and green. However, grass doesn’t grow well in areas that get no sunlight. So, we have areas of our yard with a gorgeous tree canopy, but you won’t find grass below those trees. It is mostly raw dirt, leaves and occasional weeds depending on the season. We try hard to keep these areas clean of debris and free of leaves so it stays looking beautiful year round. However, we don’t water the weeds or the dirt! It isn’t necessary and will only produce larger weeds and mud.
How often do we water weeds in our lives? We give our time, attention, and effort to people who suck the life out of us. You know who I am talking about. There is someone in your mind right now that you love dearly, but that person cannot go 5 minutes without being negative about something. They are a good person and you can’t imagine “not” being friends with them. However, you recognize that they bring your spirits down and cause you to feel bad about work or life generally. Nothing is ever “right” in their world and their tendency is to talk badly about others as they build themselves up. They mock your dreams and make you second guess the goals you have in your life. These people tend to complain about anything and everything from kids, spouses, jobs, money, and the troubles in their lives never seem to end.
Friends and even close family – can be weeds in your life. They might be people you love and care about but they are an eye sore in your “yard of life.” Be careful when you decide to turn on your sprinkler. Don’t waste water on the weeds in your life. Whether it be someone at work, church or even neighbors. Any relationship that does not build you and help you reach your goals in life will prove to drag you in the opposite direction of where you’d like to end up.
Jim Rohn says that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Open your life to people who will inspire and challenge you to achieve great things. Look around and let go of those who drag your spirits down.
Action steps:
- Make a list of of the weeds in your life (anyone who doesn’t inspire or build you up on some level).
- Make a list of people who DO inspire you in ANY way (work, business, health, lifestyle).
- From this list, decide which relationships you plan to give water to.
And remember the following statement when you decide who you will spend time with…
People will either inspire you or drag you down. Pick them wisely! Hans F Hansen