Boundaries:

Many of us want to keep Negative People, Negative Words, Negative thoughts, etc... out of our life.   Though we may feel that much is out of our control, one thing we can do is set boundaries. Often it is best to establish boundaries at the start of any situation - be it roommates, friendships, work associations, etc.

Consider the idea of negativity as an unwelcome guest. Anger, violence and even swear words are given life as they linger in the room or a home or a workplace. They take up space in our minds as if settling into and becoming a fixture in our presence.

Conflict of ideas can and do happen. Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing as it is also a tool to help us expand and grow our minds. Perhaps it is best to expect and accept that their will be conflict in our lives. Setting boundaries to handle conflict peacefully is often the best deterrent to letting negativity take over and the break-up of the peaceful home.

It does seem that or society has become less friendly and less respectful. The younger generation, stemming from the '60s 'anything goes' mentality, seems to have on its agenda, the tearing down of all boundaries. They adhere to tolerance of bad behavior while diminishing the importance of manners, the Bible and even God Himself. In so doing, they are removing the footing from under a peaceful society in which they claim to desire (assuming their depth of thinking is adequately dimensional). Ironic, isn't it? Rules are guidelines and guidelines are a major ingredient in setting boundaries.

Knowing boundaries includes knowing which interactions may be appropriate. Being aware of any activity that may spawn negative reactions or give life to unwanted ill feelings is key to recognizing potential trouble. Imagine putting your hand up toward where this negativity may stem. Often times, the hand must face ourselves. In so doing, we can chose a positive direction for ourselves by recognizing when, where and how to set boundaries on ourselves just as we would like to do to others.

Peace is a good guest. Allow Peace a permanent residency with you. This also sounds a bit "1960s Hippy", but Jesus is a promoter of Peace. Allow him in your surroundings by doing your best to keep it peaceful. Just as we (desire to) hold Jesus in our hearts, such deeds as living by his example, opens the way to a better life with God.

To sum it up. Be careful what you let loose in the room. Don't give life to evil or negative or simply 'bad things' such as a swear word. Learn to talk "with" others in your life. Try never to talk "at" people. Talking "at" is bad communication. Talking "with" people around you is positive communication.

A lot of thoughts. Enough for now.

Thanks for your comment Greg. I wrote this from experience and being lucky enough to know someone with good philosophies.

I tend to scan through books, but I haven't read 'Boundaries'. I will note that one.