Sometimes, when I wake up early, a topic comes to mind. Could be something from my past or not, or something that just might help someone see something more clearly. Most times I never know where the topic is going... it just flows to the end. I have been told several times in my life that I have a great deal of influence on others. That certainly seems to convey a greater concept then I can imagine... and a somewhat added responsibility if it is true. I guess that comes from trust and respect. I guess in part, it's like the old saying... "you get what you give"... give respect and trust, and you'll get it in return. I don't think I'll have the same effect as E.F.Hutton (lol)... but it's nice to know that I can have a positive influence with, and on others. I don't really think that anyone can truly make anyone else believe or feel something that wasn't already a part of their being. You can bring to mind something that will let them focus on the brighter side of life... bring a smile to their face... and make their day a little better... but it was something that was already there... it just needed a friendly "poke", to bring it out. I'd like to think that I project mostly a positive influence towards others. But, whether it be something positive, or something dealing with a negative issue, you can't really change a persons base thought's or feelings. You may bring up key points that start them "thinking", but in today's world, most people are strong minded to draw their own conclusions. No one is going to be influenced beyond their own feelings. So for good or bad, no one really excerpts influence over another... but merely gets them to "think". If it's something negative... your influence is limited to encouraging them to "think" and draw their own conclusions. Their conclusions are based on their thoughts and feelings. If they think and feel bad of something, then those feelings are based on their experiences, either personal or witnessed, and if someone feels that another has influenced them to feel this way about them... well, sorry... it's real feelings that were there all the time. My influence was limited to getting them to merely "think" about he issue. So... if someone feels and thinks something about you that is not too flattering... it's not that I have influenced them to think bad of you... but it all falls on your shoulders... something you have done, or neglected to do, that puts you in a bad light. So do not look to blame the person that made them "think" about you, and how you are perceived to be in a "bad light"... look to yourself... for no one could create negative thoughts or feelings about you, but you yourself. Examine what you have done, and take the responsibility for your actions... not blaming the person that encouraged them to "think" about it. Sad to say... but some people that do things that put themselves in a bad light... always seek to blame others for the way people feel about them... never accepting responsibility or having the willingness to correct an injustice or accept the responsibility for it. And as for the person that encourages others to "think"... they are the first condemned... for they bring to light any injustice that has been done. Also sad to say, this concept and thought process is wasted on the guilty... for they will never "get it"... they will only continue to blame others... especially those that encourage others to "think". No doubt a self preservation thing... limit the damage... suppress the truth so that no more people will think bad of them. But then again, if they cared what others think... they'd change their ways... and try doing what is right... rather then seeking to blame others and cover it all up. Just the fact that they are trying to suppress the feelings of others conveys that they are aware of their wrong doings, and the possible negative effects, and don't want it to spread... less more people know the truth, and think less of them. ... ... Well... I feel better. Maybe someone else reading this may too feel a bit better. We've all had to deal this people like this. As for me... not to worry... this has nothing to do with any personal recent events... I'm okay! … perhaps a bit mad… not angry mad, the other mad… but I’m Okay!
