It's Break Time!

Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down;
you need a break from the bickering and griping!
Proverbs 22:10 (The Message)

Every year on December 31^st, my good friend, Ashley, takes inventory of the core relationships in her life. She creates three categories: friends, acquaintances and sphere of influence, dropping names under each title as she sits and reflects on the preceding twelve months. When analyzing the names, Ashley says, “My goal is to determine whether each one of these people are living up to my expectations for who gets to be in my life.” Notice she said “gets to be” in her life because she knows that her time, energy and presence is a gift to be cherished. Ashley reflects on whether they have been givers or takers in her life. She asks core questions, like whether she is energized or drained after each conversation. Are they depositing wisdom, sound advice, opportunities or encouragement into her life, or constantly making withdrawals? And, by the end of her exercise, Ashley has a better understanding of who gets to go into the New Year and who must be left behind.

Its important to remember that some people will only come into your life for a time and a season. The idea of leaving someone behind doesn’t mean that you never speak to them again, unless they are just truly toxic, but it means that you now define for yourself how you will allow them to utilize your time, energy and resources, if at all. As the Bible suggests, you may need to take a break!

I know that its not the end of the year, but we've hit the half way mark and believe it or not, I've already identified some folks and even situations that just don't get to stay. There's too much going on in 2010 to be bothered with nonsense. So, thanks to Ashley, I'm making my list and checking it twice! I'm also making sure that I AM the friend that does make deposits and not withdrawals, as well as offers sound wisdom and advice. How about you?

Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth & Be Blessed!