Back Off...

It's very hard for me to accept that all people aren't generally motivated by good.  My work with young children, motherhood, and my Sagitarrian sign, I guess, make me hopeful that there's always something better just ahead.

So much was accomplished this week at school:  stalls mucked, water tubs cleaned, butterfly garden revamped a bit, seeds planted, recycling done, happy teachers and children in nature, a rabbit on a leash, good food in little bellies, and a former staff member who was ill re-joining us as a substitute teacher.  There was major positive movement on some huge projects including a new website and purchase of the school property.

And, unfortunately, in the midst of so many uplifting events, a couple of people put a big hairy damper on things.  I think that's just how it goes...for the steps we take forward, there is the requisite shedding of the old, both negative ways and negative folks.  You feel it and so do I.  Accept it, Leslie, some people are needy and truly unhappy.  Some people are desperate for attention.  Some people are jealous and manipulative.  There are those who don't have an accurate read on things, but assert their assumptions and make you feel insane.  I am just so sad to have to admit it's true.

I guess I've thought it polite to accommodate these folks.  I've spent most of my life being the "good girl" who doesn't step on toes.  I often stifle my own feelings to avoid conflict.  I feel my gut instincts, then ignore some of them. This week, however, was a time to set boundaries.  To say "I don't accept the weight of you, back off!".

We encourage kids to be healthy and to set boundaries, right?  We encourage them to express when their feelings have been hurt or another child interrupted their turn with a beloved toy.  Well, needy, negative, destructive people, I am telling the Universe that I don't have space for you amid the good work we do with only good intentions.  Despite the bitter taste you have left in my mouth, I can't resist wishing you peace, love, and happiness on this planet, but stay the hell away from me!

Enough said.  So, who wants to build a totem or a bread oven or a bottle tree?