Tickled Squirrel February 2015 | Page 9

Making Changes What do you dislike most in people? Is it people who wind you up the wrong way? Or maybe people who don’t agree with you and don’t see things from your point of view? Yet, isn’t that what makes us all different, because we all have a point of view? I recently went to a seminar in the U.K. which was designed to help in dealing with “difficult” people. We were each asked to write down the things that we don’t like in the people we know. At the end of copious listings from everyone, the lecturer took the papers and asked us if any of these things we had noted down were illegal. The answer was no. She then asked if they were immoral. Again, the answer was no. Were they wrong? No. Then she said, “Well, may I just suggest to you that they are just different?” There was stunned silence in the room as we all came to terms with that! Once again I have been through a learning curve with that concept. I really hope that I never stop learning. So perhaps it is worth considering that the things we get stressed most about, as far as other people are concerned, is not that they can be blamed for being the way that they are, but we need to accept that they are just different from us. Perhaps acceptance and tolerance is a bit thin on the ground these days and we throw our rattles out of the pram for not having the reactions or results we want from people! Isn’t life tough? Whatever our problems might be, nothing material is going to solve it on a permanent basis. Why? Material things are nice, but we get used to them and then start to look around again. The only thing that works is achieving a balance inside. Our attitude towards everything is what is the most important because that is who we really become and that is what people around us see. Watch people and notice the expressions on their faces. Observe body language and try to pick up tips about how the people you are observing are feeling. The wealthy are definitely not the happiest, and the down at heel are definitely not all wretched. Some people wouldn’t be happy if they had everything the world has to offer, because they are still negative inside. A couple of years ago I had dealings with a lady who had everything - she said that herself, a fabulous home, position, wonderful children, adoring husband, money in the bank….but she was suicidal. I had the privilege of helping her to see life as she should be seeing it and the depression lifted so that she was in control, she saw the point and she made the mental changes. When we get to the stage where everything and everyone is irritating us and pulling us down, maybe we ought to take some time to think things through and realise that, as complicated as life is, we owe it to each other to accept each other’s differences and to realise, perhaps, that they have accepted ours!! Professional Building Services Take care, till the next time! Gary Westmoreland Violet. All building work carried out No job is too small or too big Telephone 674 938 935 Violet King. Personal Confidential Counsellor For information please ring 966928256 or 634312179. Alternatively send an email to: [email protected] www.makechanges.webs.com 9