Focus on the Positive...but Develop from the Negatives

  I had to think about the second part of this one a bit, but I do concur. \   Haters tend to hate people they feel intimated or threatened by, in competition with, or envious of. Usually, there is no real reason for their hatred, other than those people are different than them; whether in looks, personality, interests, or any other qualities. In acknowledging that, if people are hating on someone who tries to be kind and respectful to all, somebody truly altruistic in their helping of others, it is fairly safe to conclude the haters lack some — or all — of those genuine qualities in themselves. Therefore, the good person is being hated by the "right" people in that they are hated simply because they are not hateful like the haters, nor would they ever want to be filled with hatred like them in exchange for their not being hated! This not only reveals the haters for whom they really are, but also confirms the good person the "hatee" is. Thus, in this case, it is ac...

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Darkest Hour Comes Just Before Dawn (@darkroombeforedawn)   Often times, withholding your whole opinion from a friend or child to not hurt their feelings is kind; just as being amicable to people you don't know or care for is respectful. These are different than being intentionally misleading, like feigning greater feelings than you really have for a potential significant other, as well as being untruthful, like outwardly boasting about someone's talents or looks when you really feel they are lacking in that department. Perhaps some people prefer to be misled and always want to be told what they want to hear. Myself, I prefer genuineness. This isn't to say I want others to be cruel to me or brutally honest about their every thought about me at all times (please don't!), but there's always the option of saying nothing at all. Just be authentic. If someone doesn't ask for your honest opini...

Not sure which version of this quote I like better, but I do believe it's a valid statement.  If someone is trying to bring you down; whether it's by spreading false rumors about you behind your back, publicly attacking something of yours, or even just giving you constant criticism to your face; I think most people would agree then they are clearly below you in their moral standards and personal ethics, not to mention their levels of integrity and kindness! And, if someone is more focused on bringing you down instead of on their own work or personal goals, it probably does indicate you are above them — or at least, that they believe you are somehow ahead of them and thus, view you as competition to eliminate.  Whichever way you look at it, it's unfortunate there are people like that. Too many people turn things that shouldn't be into a competition when it would serve us all better to help and support one another instead — or at least to just conc...

Ten years ago today, I made my first post in this shutter blog! I can't believe I have been publishing posts here and there since 2013. The blog started with a goal honestly, a post I wanted to make, which I've touched on, but never did a full post about. It has changed directions, both naturally and intentionally, only to land back at the same advice giving theme. It even received an updated modern theme design with new sub titles a few years ago.  Does anyone even read it? Maybe when I drop a post's link on Pinterest or Facebook occasionally. Or, maybe I have a pack of my very own silent cyberstalkers religiously checking my blog for updates more than I give it a thought. To which I say, welcome, frenemies and fremily!  I hope you find what you're looking for.  

Ask yourself, 'What type of person tries to ruin another's reputation with lies? Do you really want them as your leader?' Even as a child, I remember being suspicious of smear campaigns against politicians. I always thought — and still do — if you are truly confident in what you can offer this world, you shouldn't need to destroy another in order for you to win.  Thus, I've always believed smear campaigns tell us more about their creator than they do the person whose reputation is under attack.      Photo by Mind Journal   In older age, I realize this is true in all avenues of life. Some people put great effort into telling stories with omitted truths or even creating false narratives about those they foolishly view as competition or erroneously believe are against them. These types of people always seem to spend so much time worrying about what others are doing instead of just focusing on themselves. Just imagine what they could accomplish in life if they pu...