I realize I am made up of attributes of both good and evil.
It is a choice
I fight against those not so good things that surface in my thoughts and actions and occasionally…even berate myself during times when less desireable aspects of my being pierce through. I desire to have better, do better, and be better.
Over the past year, I have consumed a great deal of media as many have. Often caught up in and following the ups and downs, twists and turns of the latest headlines. At times, I even found myself experiencing higher-than-normal levels of stress, anxiety, anger or angst around routine interactions with people and things – nothing over the top, but definitely out of character for me. Between elections, protest, shootings, etc, I listened to each instance of “breaking news,” or “this just in,” broadcast and it started having a less than desirable impact on me.
As I’ve matured, I’ve become (for-the-most-part) somewhat even-keeled and balanced. I generally take a thoughtful, introspective approach to how I take in and process information and prior to earlier this year, didn’t seem to get too upset by much of anything in the news, most days…I guess it’s like people would tell me when I was much younger, as you grow older, things that upset you when you’re young just don’t seem to be as much of an “alarming crisis” as you age. You learn to pace yourself and pick your battles.”
in consuming negative media reports, interviews, social media, etc. I overfeed negativity. I invited the negativity into my being so that the only thing that could come out…was what was inside. It was as if my glass – previously mostly filled with positive and some negative, now had negativity in the “overflow” because all of the positivity was “pushed out.” A cup running over with negativity is not a good thing.
Looking back at some of those times, I can confidently say that I prefer to live in a more peaceful space repelling anything or anyone who might disrupt or cause mayhem in my safe zone. I choose to feed the fruits of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, instead of the works of the flesh, whenever and wherever possible.
This video [click here] titled Wise Cherokee story about choices in life created some context for me in choosing to feed positivity over negativity. I am made up of much but I have the power of free will over what I chose to be dominant in who I am.
Remember, “The one you feed wins…”
Respectfully,
Lynn
About
Lynn F Austin, MBA is an author and speaker. Her messages reflect her courage and commitment against fear, doubt, and disbelief. She is dedicated to serving causes impacting domestic violence and at-risk youth.
