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Eeyore, Aliens, and How To Keep Your Tale On

Donna HighfillBlog5 commentsApril 2, 2015

I sat in the chair listening to a woman explain why and how aliens were going to melt the earth in September. Yes, this September.

For two hours, I heard about the end of the world and how religion controls people and why God doesn’t exist. I try very hard to be non-judgmental about others’ ideas, but she didn’t offer me the same courtesy. Each time I would offer an alternative suggestion she would shake her finger at me and say, “No, no, no. I know this to be true. You just don’t know.”

By the time I left our interaction, I was exhausted. I didn’t believe what she said, and I only panicked for a split-second when she told me that I had been marked by another species and my future was not good.  Nor did I worry too much about the world ending come September. However, a confirmation would be nice since I would like to spend my final months eating as many Krispy Kreme donuts as possible.

I walked into that interaction bouncing like Tigger and came out drooping like Eeyore.

It took me most of the night and some of this morning to recover my tale.

Don’t lose your tale. . .

Positive attitudes don’t just happen, unless you’re on some serious meds. In general, being positive is WORK. It takes daily effort. For example, I spent the first two hours of my day discussing the previous days interaction, and wondering how one person could seriously impact my energy.

Guess what? She didn’t impact my energy. I did. I made her a bigger player in my story than she deserved.

She was building her own interesting, end-of-the-world story that seemed to energize her soul. I, on the other hand, yearned for Sigourney Weaver and checked my chest periodically to ensure that nothing was exploding out of it.

This is one reason why I’m getting more selective about the characters I allow into my life tale.

In the past, I assumed that every person who wanted to become my friend was an inevitable player in my story. That’s not true for me anymore.

I accept the fact that some people are flat characters who stand in the background and don’t provide much impact.

Yet, others will provide a fleeting interaction that will impact my story in the most miraculous of ways.

Write your story carefully . . .

Each day is a gift. We all have obstacles that will come our way, but allowing someone else’s fear or negativity to ruin our day is a waste.

I’m paying more attention to those who make my spirit shine a little brighter. I want a story filled with characters who face even the darkest obstacle with a spark of determination.

Perhaps the aliens will come in September, but I’m going to find the one bouncing around with a twinkle in his or her big almond-shaped eye. And we’re going to hang out.

 

Tags: Change, Change Stories, donna highfill, humor, inspiration, motivation

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5 comments. Leave new

Roxanne Jones
April 2, 2015 8:11 pm

It’s amazing how the whack jobs can get under our skin, isn’t it? But you realized that you have the power to let it/them go and, should another one wander into your story, you can edit them out that much faster. They do walk among us…but one of the exquisite perks of getting older is the realization that you can walk away from them. Bursting out laughing at their foolishness can be a good strategy, too. P.S. If the aliens bring wine, I’d be happy to make their acquaintance!

Reply
Donna Highfill
April 2, 2015 10:07 pm

Roxanne – your response is better than perfect. And I’ll let you know about the wine thing in September when they come to get me :).

Reply
Kathleen
April 2, 2015 11:19 pm

Roxanne is spot on about getting older and being able to quickly wish them well and walk away. We are responsible for our own light…and sometimes our light shines just a little brighter after the wine!

Reply
Beth
April 3, 2015 2:44 am

i think I know this woman….

Reply
Donna Highfill
April 3, 2015 2:23 pm

🙂

Reply

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