Snakes in the Grass
Watch Out…!
Human nature has a tendency to be downright ugly sometimes. Like Mick Jagger and Merry Clayton once sang in a timeless Rolling Stones tune, “Rape, Murder, it's just a shot away… It's just a shot away.” Now these are the obvious examples of how humans, unfortunately, have a tendency to do disgusting things.
What about when humans perform nefarious acts that are not so obvious. Rape and murder is to the extreme. What about when the intent is not to deplete someone from existence. Or severely cripple mentally and emotionally. Rather, to subjugate, and suppress others for ones own personal gain. An act, or series of actions, designed to cripple a competitor perhaps out of jealousy or spite. In an attempt to overtake them in life.
Here is a mild example. Once upon a time when I was playing pickup soccer with a bunch of people, I was being marked (or covered) by one of the opposing teams players. Why? Well, in that moment, my team had the ball which meant we were on the offensive. As play progressed towards the goal, I followed the action to get open for a scoring attempt. Only to experience the dude marking me tugging on my shirt so as to add a bit of resistance. An effort to arrest my advancement forwards towards a possible goal.
As this was more or less a friendly style match, he seemed like a friendly dude, and I was in a good mood, I let it slide. If any of the above was not the case, I may have indicated to him that his action was no bueno. But, honestly, under the circumstances it was pointless to do so.
Fast-forward to just the other day I am watching a podcast clip from a former extreme stuntman/performance artists. He began to talk about how he used to undermine and/or intentionally derail the careers of people he took issue with. This all while under a drug fueled haze, and otherwise in the grips of addiction. Part of his podcast after all is talking about said addiction, and demons, he battled in his past. Sort of like a testimonial and confessional experience all in one.
During his addiction he was no doubt well-loved and cared for, perhaps from afar. Well until those that did so encouraged him to stop abusing drugs and alcohol during an intervention. That was an in your face approach. Which was successful as he is far removed from said demons and addictions present day.
As the story progressed, in the years since he mentioned issuing apologies to people he hurt, and intentionally harmed during his dark past. What stood out to me was how genuinely remorseful he felt. Now many people did not accept his apology and severed ties with him altogether. Certainly understandable. I did feel for the guy, however. Because although he expressed acceptance of his fate in the matter, no doubt this will haunt him till the end of his days on earth.
Between my soccer example, and this famous podcasters slash former drug addicts example, lies a large spectrum of possibilities within the dark side of human nature. This should ring alarm bells in your head and heart.
So what is my point exactly…? Don't assume people whom you are cordial with, or are close to you, or claim love for you, are altogether wholesome individuals. What you may perceive as someone your cool with may have deep down feelings of resentment born from their own inherent insecurities, or something similar. They may outwardly seem rather pleasant, outgoing, supportive, or perhaps even self-effacing. But inwardly their presence in your life may not be what it seems from your point of view.
We all have love and admiration on some level for our family and friends. Normal, healthy levels where we are uplifted from their presence, energy, and time. Some people take these warm and fuzzies and never reciprocate. They hold onto them until they go rancid. Thus, an environment which cultivates an unhealthy fascination with you is born.
They cannot reciprocate because they do not know how, and you'll be none the wiser. You simply won't care and your love for them will be the same. This will fester inside and infuriate them. Furthermore, everything you have to offer this world they likely cannot. More fuel to this fire. Your achievements which will be a great source of positively for you may be nothing but a source of intimidation to them. Regardless, they want to compete out of jealousy and envy. But they only know how to play dirty and ride your coat-tails at the same time.
Be aware of everyone in your life and their disposition towards you. How they speak of you to your face. Keep your ears on attention to listen to what they are saying about you when you're not around. How they treat you during your times of success, and times of need.
Do not assume everyone in your life is on your side just because you feel as though they are good people, and you have invested time in a relationship with them.
The idea of this newsletter, and what I write about in my forthcoming books, is overall wellness. This includes mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness.
If you have someone in your life, whom you feel is intentionally trying to undermine everything you do. Or someone you have a funny feeling about for whatever reason…proceed with caution. Tread lightly if you choose to have them in your life. Perhaps, they need help. Perhaps they help you in a way. But you must establish a threshold within your personal relationships. A limit to what is acceptable and what is too far. Set boundaries.
If you do not take into account that enemies may exist within your sphere, you will be at a severe disadvantage in life. These folks if unmanaged can cause a great deal of damage to your personal and professional relationships, or your reputation at large. This. THIS, will cause a great deal of stress and unhealthy feelings and emotions detrimental to your overall health.
So mow that lawn. Cut that grass. You need to see them snakes before they sneak up and bite you…!
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