Keep The Fire Alive

Oh, the title is so cliché but it carries a ton of weight. If a person stands up for what they believe in, no matter the degree of belittlement or ostracizing that ensues, then respect will follow. It might not be the instant gratification fashion we prefer, nor might it land you on the "Friendliest Person" plateau, but it will gain you deference from those who truly - well- respect you and your beliefs. Here's the key that might baffle some people: it doesn't matter if you agree with someone else and their patterns of thought. It just takes a mature acceptance and acknowledgment of what makes that particular person tick, or taking inventory on the sum total instead of what is right there in front you, that counts.

It can be very hard to be strong - at times, almost a gargantuan task. Still, you have to stick with what you believe in and not give in to the powers that are trying to influence you into submission. There's nothing wrong with influence, and in many ways it can be unequivocally beneficial and life changing. It's when we allow the negative spheres to dominate our lives that problems can blossom and - if left unchecked - blow up in our face.

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