06/04/2023
I created this tool after many, many years of wasted time and energy. After much soul searching and tears I finally realized people treat you how you allow them to. Psychology 101…basic, simple, and true.
I’m sharing this to start a chain of enlightenment that may follow the “Pay It Forward” concept which as is typical in America was huge for a hot second then forgotten just like 9/11.
If you think back on both these topics you will remember how we all banded together united, brothers and sisters…helping others, loving God etc. Sadly, as usual “The American Way” fizzles out quickly.
Here’s my solution…
Relationships are basically the same as growing flowers, we begin with a seed…first meet in the human version where we select flowers or people we want in our garden. Once selected we “plant them “and nurture them on a daily basis because we know in both scenarios if we don’t, they die.
We must continually provide the basics such as water (conversations), sunlight (love, interest, respect, attention) and for those favorites food/vitamins, “Miracle-Gro” if they’re very special (advice, problem solving, the occasional couch to sleep on).
I have spent my life solving other people’s problems, fixing broken hearts, 3 a.m. melt down calls etc. Not long ago I started paying attention to who gave back…it was a short list.
I realized I would have been a different person if I hadn’t given so much of my precious time, resources and energy away. I decided to stop the bleeding and “The Friend Garden” was born.
I told everyone how it worked and what would happen from that point on.
Here’s how it works:
Every 6 months I post a “Weeding” notice on social media. This is a heads-up that anyone who has not given back to nurture our relationship will be weeded out of my garden. They will know their status if they no longer see me as a connection any longer.
Life is too short and precious to waste your time with emotional vampires or perpetual victims my friends! Use that energy to nurture beautiful blooms that give you the sunlight and dazzling beauty they possess to brighten your world.