Appreciating Your Intelligence and Rationality
I just want to take a moment to express appreciation to you (and all of my readers) for your intelligence and rationality – and your open-heartedness as well – during these incredible shifts that we’re all living through. This has surely been a year of change – and can you believe we’re not even halfway through it yet?
The feedback I’ve been getting in recent weeks really drives home how lucky I am to connect with you.
I’ve seen so much polarization and cynicism elsewhere online these days, and it’s refreshing to get to connect each day with people who are optimistic, rational, and deeply committed to personal growth. It’s especially inspiring and motivating to connect with people who care about being of service and who want to make a positive difference in the world.
One thing I’ve found helpful – as have many friends – is to practice especially strong boundary management this year. I know that many of my readers have had to do the same. This really does help. I know some people confuse weak boundaries with tolerance, but that form of tolerance is actually a form of resistance.
I’ve seen people descending into irrationality, cynicism, overt racism and sexism, Trumpism, nationalism, and other “isms” that clearly violate the principles by which I’ve chosen to live. I recognize that they have the freedom to pursue those depths if they want to, in which case I’ll exercise the freedom to de-simulate them from my reality. I decline what they offer, often using small words so they’re sure to understand. I still feel compassion for them, as long as they stay well out of disgust range and don’t try to projectile-vomit their insanities into my personal sphere.
This contrast actually makes me feel even more grateful for the people who haven’t gone batshit insane – for those who still have a good head on their shoulders and a good heart in their chests. Lately I’ve been feeling more of my energy shifting inwards towards these delightful and intelligent people. It’s helped me see that my work really isn’t meant for everyone – it’s really just meant for those who resonate with it.
Where are you putting your energy these days? What effects do different investments of energy have on yourself and others? Are you investing where the appreciation is flowing well? Even during trying times, can you still feel grateful for the people you get to connect with each day? If not, you can change that, and a good place to start is by making sure you’re practicing intelligent boundary management.
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