Kryptonite

I am a fan of the group Three Doors Down. I really like good old driving rock and roll music. In the song Kryptonite they have a great line that states, “You took for granted all the times I never let you down.”

Have you ever felt that way? As you look at your relationships and folks mention what you are doing poorly, have you ever thought to yourself, “HEY! What about this and this and this?” You may have even stated it. It has a sting to it doesn’t it?

In truth, that lyric is a great way to language “What have you done for me lately?” or our tendency to focus on the negative rather than the positive in our relationships. Why is that we do that? Why do we almost always think FIRST about what someone has done to us that is negative and not positive? I do it. You do it. We all do it.

When was the last time you stopped to realize the good and positive in your relationships? Let’s take it one step further. When was the last time you actually told them you were aware of their good behavior or those good words? When did you last write a note, sent an email or better yet spoke the works to them affirming the GOOD behavior?

Here is a novel idea. Why not look for the good? Why not remember “the times they never let you down?” Why not look for something good in your acquaintances or partner . . . and then tell them.

Balanced Envionmentalism

I am not sure how many would call me "balanced" in anything, but the other day I had an epiphany of sorts. I am what I call a "balanced environmentalist."

Al Gore will not be getting a call of support from me. Julia Robers will not find me giving up deodorant and anti-perspirant as one of my ways of protecting the environment ( as she said she does on Letterman a while back.) Those I come in contact with will be very glad. But I do think about our responsibility to protect and care for the planet our creator has entrusted to us. I work hard to recycle, even if it means going out of my way to do so, but I am not an activist, at least outwardly.

I live on a busy street so litter is prevalent in my yard each day. I hate seeing folks treat the planet like that, and at times it seems (as stated to me by one of my employees) that littering is the state hobby in western PA.

Here is the balanced view hitting me. While in Africa a few years back, I noticed my African hosts throwing out their empty water bottles onto the road after drinking the water. I asked them about that practice since we see folks do that here, and it bugs the stew out of me. They told me, it was not litter. The poor come along and pick up those bottles and use them to gather their water from watering places. How about that for a correction?

My epiphany came while mowing. I realized that a decade or so back I paid someone to come fertilize my lawn, kill the weeds, feed the grass, and then I had to mow it a lot after it was chemicalized. (Is that even a word?) I stopped that practice some time ago. There are two reasons: 1. It was not a good use of my money. 2. Why pay someone to put chemicals on my lawn so the grass will grow so I will buy more gasoline because I have to mow more often? Weeds are green too! I do not have an electric mower. But if they could make one affordable with enough power to cut my lawn (not an easy chore - I walk 7-1/2 miles every time I mow my lawn - yes I have checked it with a pedometer) I would have one.

Balanced. I really am seeking just that in this area. And you will be glad I did if you stand close to me on a hot summer day!