A woman got on a bus holding a baby. The bus driver said, “That’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen.”
In a huff, the woman grumbling, frowning and mumbling angrily took an aisle seat near the rear of the bus. The man seated next to her sensed that she was agitated and asked her what was wrong.
“The bus driver insulted me.” She fumed.
The man sympathized and said: “Why, he’s a public servant and shouldn’t say things to insult passengers.”
“You’re right.” She said. “I think I’ll go back up there and give him a piece of my mind.”
“That’s a good idea,” the man said. “Here, let me hold your monkey.”
You can’t help it but there are just so many negative people around these days.
This is why we need daily inspiration to help us along the way.
How many among you are given a daily dose of inspirational quotes through text messages from your well meaning friends? I am one of them and don’t get me wrong… I love receiving them and have in fact used some of them in my talks and writings.
But have you ever heard of a list called “Ineffective Daily Affirmations?”
Yes. There is such a thing and it is probably sent by people who are negative and bitter.
This list is credited to anonymity but here is how it goes:
- I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.
- I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.
- I no longer need to punish, deceive or compromise myself. Unless, of course, I want to stay employed.
- I honor my personality flaws, for without them I would have no personality at all.
- I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as all those censorious, self-righteous people around me.
- I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain.
- The first step is to say nice things about myself. The second, to do nice things for myself. The third, to find someone to buy me nice things.
- All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid, and disgusting parts.
- Only a lack of imagination saves me from immobilizing myself with imaginary fears.
10. Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so.”
11. A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem.
12. Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day watching TV. Instead I will move my TV into the bedroom.
13. I will find humor in my everyday life by looking for people I can laugh at.
14. I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.
And while I was laughing at these preposterous statements I am reminded that there are indeed people who carry the same kind of mindset. They move from place to place carrying their negativity with them and the only time they feel fulfilled is when they have made others feel empty.
Some people brighten up the room by leaving it. I am sure you’ve met them as I certainly have. These people are vampires and blood suckers. They suck the optimism away from you. They are miserable and they want the whole world to be like them because misery loves company. Their joy is to put down people and make others look ugly so they can appear smart and beautiful but how wrong they really are. What they fail to understand is that over time they self-destruct. They rob themselves of opportunities because people stay away from them.
I have met people like these. They badmouth, they backbite, they backstab, they will shoot you at the back and they get a sinister delight in doing this. I guess their favorite part of the human anatomy is the back because they never had the guts and courage to face people in the front.
Here is the lesson. Never allow people like these to pull you down.
The world is a beautiful place. And we don’t have time to spend on ugly people.
Now here is the deal. I’ve lived in this decaying planet long enough to understand that deep within the soul of these negative people lie a deep sense of insecurity. They are always threatened by someone or something. And we cannot do anything about it. It’s their own personal battles they face everyday.
Pray for them. Not that they be struck by lighting but that they may come to repentance.
Meanwhile, enjoy life and be an encouragement and inspiration to those around you.
Francis,Your life has inspired me so much! Thanks for the wisdom in this story! But you know I am more interested in venturing into a business with just a very small capital. Please give me some advice as to what type of business will I get involved with. I am a teacher but my husband is a seaman. Im actually praying for it! What spiritual and economic advice can you give me. I want God to handle my business. But what shall I do as a neophyte in this small time business. Thank you. God bless you! Y
wow! a true to life story sir. But how can an insecure people can help him or her self???
Thank you Francis for sharing these thoughts on ineffective affirmations. I hope that more people will have the opportunity to read this website ( you are competing with Facebook) because this can truly be of great help to those who need it most but won’t read it.
I love this post!!!Thank u for opening my eyes to this kind of behavior. 🙂
Thank you, Mr. Francis for this very inspiring article. This is indeed a reminder to those who are insecure and love to criticized others. Well, I know some. Actually, I’ve been in this scenario and whenever I see them, I just give them a smile. For me, that’s the very best thing to do: a sweet revenge.
However, despite all of the things they are (actually) doing, still I’m standing where I am and to tell them frankly, they made me stronger. And I thank them for that, though it is not their intention. (haha!)
Don’t call me boastful. No, I’m not. I am just overwhelmed with the result of their joint forces and efforts.
Anyway, thank you for criticizing me. Thank you for questioning my ability. Thank you for not giving me the benefit of the doubt. Thank you for assuming that I am your best enemy ever. Thank you for making agenda with other people who are not yet my friends. Thank you for keeping your mouth shut when I’m around and making gossips when I am not. Thank you for all the snubs whenever we crosses the corridor. Thank you for making my life challenging. Thank you for everything guys, I really appreciate all you’re efforts. But I am very sorry people, I defeated you. I won, you lose the fight.
Thank you for making me brave. Thank you, thank you because you let me know who the real I am and what I am here for. Thank you, you made the better “APPLE.” Through such, I will never ever forget you whatever happens. You will always be in my mind. You will be remembered.
Now, who could have thought, I passed all of these and turned all the negative things into positive?
Oh c’mon!
Keep positive affirmations short and to the point. These are also easier to remember. Say them regularly through the day. If you suffer from stress or negativity affirmations will help you develop a powerful and positive attitude to live a successful, healthy and fulfilling life.
Sir Francis, Thank you for the inspiring wisdom. You only have two choices : to be happy or to be sad….
Sir Francis, very inspiring wisdom. We have two choices always : to be HAPPY or to be SAD
Sir, here’s another one, “IF OTHERS CAN,…… LET THEM DO IT!, WHY ME?”
I also highly recommend the book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. It’s a great read for people who are always waking up with a gray cloud hanging over their head. Thanks for the insights, Mr. Kong! You are one of a kind.
thank you so much,,this WORDS make my mind positive one,,thanks a lot!!!