It’s funny how distancing yourself from people who are so thoroughly negative can make a huge impact. After some very negative influences left the company I’m with, my work improved a thousand-fold, my happiness went through the roof, and I’ve been able to get back to really enjoying my job and the people I work with. It’s not always perfect, but I’m able to focus more on the good stuff since I don’t have people CONSTANTLY carrying-on about nothing but the bad.

In his book ,God Laughs & Plays, one of my favorite authors, David James Duncan, makes the observation that he strives in everything he does–even the most minuscule of interactions-to make sure he’s doing it with love. Love for himself, for his life, for his surroundings, for inherent worth, value, and goodness inside every individual. It floored me. I’m far from reaching that ideal. I still get frustrated and upset. Silly things still piss me off. I still drive like an angry teenager and get mad at people who don’t merge properly. But it’s an inspiring point of view, and one I hope to cultivate throughout my life. I’m convinced, however, that it’s near impossible to do so if you surround yourself with people who’s actions and deeds are motivated primarily by cruelty, jealousy, and insecurity.

I’ll remove it at some point

I like this. Keep it up Jane. Happy people make ME happy. So… thanks.