You See Me in a Different Way

I find it fascinating that each person brings out something different in ourselves and because of that each person in our lives has a unique view of who we are.

Have you ever started a new job and someone says to you, "Watch out for that one. He/She is (you fill in the negative descriptive.)" I was a temp employee for many years and I noticed that this happened with every job I started. I learned quickly that I should never trust someone else's opinion of another person. I must decide for myself how I feel about them. I would often treat those people with just a little more understanding and watch how they behaved and adjust my responses to them appropriately. Some people are just misunderstood and if you take the time to get to know them you may actually discover a new friend.

Each person we come in contact with responds to us in a different way because they themselves are different. What each person adds to our lives with their personality interacting with ours, provides a different relationship and a different outcome. Three people can be in the same room, share the same event and situations and each of them will walk out of that room with a different experience and feeling toward each other.

It is what we give to each other in the exchange of emotions, words and acts that define how we see each other and because each of us responds differently, we each give the other a different experience. No two people will see or feel about a third person the same, never completely. You may share similar thoughts or emotions about that person, but never all of them completely.

Keep this in mind the next time someone's reputation preceeds them or the next time you feel the need to warn someone about someone you have had a bad experience with. Do not taint what could be an amazing chance for people to connect with each other. You never know if that connection, especially in a work environment could change your own experiences with that person for the better.

What situations have you encountered that have made you change the way you see someone for the better? And have you noticed that this phenomenon has affected your relationships with those you care for?

As always, thanks for sharing.

The Power to Say No

I am keeping in mind right now that I have the power to say "NO" and I'm not afraid to use it.

I have spent a great deal of my life trying my best to not say no when people ask me to do something or if they need my help. There are times that saying no would have really come in handy and helped me out personally but I chose not to in order to satisfy other people.

I've come to learn that there are people who do not appreciate this as much as you think they will, nor do they realize that you have sacraficed yourself to help them. It's not that the gratitude is necessary every time but occassionally it is very welcomed, and even necessary at times.

Therefore, I have learned that using my right to say no is very freeing. I do not use it whimsically. If I can help someone I will but not at the sake of putting off my family and what they need or what I need as well. It seems to be a part of learning self-worth. I can give all I want to others but if I do not also give to myself, I will eventually have nothing left to give.

Realize that if you have needs, that you must also ask for help, be gracious and be willing to give back. If you have people in your life who ask but are never there for you or expect you to never say no and who are upset when you do, cut your losses while you can.

What are some situations in which you have found yourself saying yes when you shouldn't have?

What are some helpful tips you can offer to others who put themselves in this situation?

Thank you for sharing.

Where are you at at this point in your life? If you are in need of assistance or encouragement to get you through a troubling time and you don't mind sharing, please post and I will offer a few words. You do not need to be specific, you can generalize for annonymity.