Run where you are celebrated

You will soon realise that not everyone will like you, despite all your good intentions. This is a universal law. So don’t let it bother you at all. Where you sense opposition, intolerance, or even a hostile atmosphere I recommend that you move on. Quickly. Good intentions are not always perceived as such by many. They may think you are angling for something, that you are deceiving them, that there is something for you. That may hurt, but as I said this happens to many of us.

My recommendation remains, walk away, forgive, and forget. 

I thought I had mastered this art until I found myself in a situation like this recently. Always trying to please, to be of service. We always jump in with good intentions and it hurts/stings when people suspect you of having exterior motives beyond your stated intentions.

This usually happens to givers. We get hurt when the gift we give is spurned or misunderstood for some hidden agenda. Maturity in giving requires us to be like Christ. He was crucified for us, and yet we still find that many of us deny Him at any turn. Imagine if He counted that against us. He still loves us. Giving was never meant to make us popular, not at all. Giving may hurt, especially if you are looking for an acknowledgment or a thank you.

But still today I am asking you to guard your heart and your space. Feel free to love, whomever you wish but don’t be a victim of abuse. Ensure you have clear boundaries. We have lost time trying to heal from situations that we could have avoided. 

Invest time and energy in areas where there is positive affirmation.  Be like the Gambler; know when to walk away. Learn to read the room and never boast about your achievements in front of others. When they spurn you- remember this; they have just given you time to focus on other things that bring you meaning and pleasure. There are many other places where you will be invited to make an input. Reserve time for those who need you. Cultivate healthy relationships with like-minded people.

Apologise whenever you have hurt others unnecessarily. Remember this, not everyone really wants to be your friend, others want the benefit of friendship without making the required sacrifices. Invest time in those who genuinely desire your company. Feed into those relationships relentlessly.