Musings on People & $50.00 Gift Cards & What You Could Win~*

Here it is, the last Monday in July.  And there will be prizes.  But first, we have life philosophy & quotes & a bit of a ramble.

I'm not exactly a people person.  Most people translate that statement as "shy," but I am far from shy-- I have no problem speaking to groups of hundreds, and I've done so.  I tend to be a leader in groups & have no problem speaking to people en masse.  I'm just not in to one-on-ones.  I tend to get awkward & uncertain & oddly removed.  And I think it has given me a unique perspective on how to deal with folks--

I'm not a score keeper, & I'm not vengeful & I don't expect people to treat me in any particular way.  

I really am surprised about the number of bloggers I've read who seem to think that because they did x, y & z, the people around them should be treating them a certain way.  They honestly seem to think that the world owes them for their good behavior.  And they generally end up disillusioned and unhappy and more than a little petulant.  

And no, I don't follow any of those bloggers-- I think they have an unhealthy approach to life.  

artwork from here

Lets look at it in a less snarky way.  

Hmmm.  

Okay, here's a funny thing.  I tend to give slightly larger tips at restaurants if the server seems distracted or cranky.  I figure that they need the boost & that more than likely they won't be getting much from other customers.  And you know, there is always  the chance that whatever they are experiencing will get a bit better if they get a nice surprise, you know?  

Of course if I get exemplary service I over tip too-- I don't mean I have some weird masochistic dining fetish lol.  

Anyway.

Lest you think I'm a doormat, the people I do have in my life feel the same way.  If someone is prone to taking advantage of kindness, or are themselves unduly unkind {we all have moments when we are unkind, that's just human-- but chronic unkindness is something else entirely}, if they are score keepers, or have imaginary ideas of how people should treat them, I just don't hang around them.  No big melodramatic speeches, no argument or showdown.  It isn't a big deal, I just don't answer the phone, if you follow me.

I learned a long time ago that you can't change other people.  Ever.  The only way anyone experiences growth is if they choose to.  You can't teach people who don't want to learn & you can't change people who don't want to change & it is a waste of energy to try.  I actually think its arrogant to think you can force people to change-- even if they are miserable and/or you know you are right.  Discussing issues, pointing out facts, friendly debates on how things should be done-- all of that is fine and is part of how we voluntarily grow.  But demanding people to change to your way of thinking, or your beliefs, that bit is the arrogant bit.

After all, who are you to think you have all the right answers?  And who I am to tell you how to live?  

All of this has come out rather self-centered and preachy, and I am in no way trying to say everyone should be like me.  Its just how I am, it works for me.  I don't pretend to know how other people do it-- and I'm certainly not advising anyone to live their lives in any particular way.  I just know how I do it and I know who I like, and I know who I am.

And I know what I want.

Which I can usually find at Amazon.

How is that for a segue?

Jay @ Crafty Spices has a smashing giveaway up now.  Here, I'll let her explain-- take it away Jay!

 

In celebration of of a few milestones Crafty Spices and with the support of her lovely sponsors (read more about Crafty's sponsors here: "Blogger Spotlight" and our "Featured Blog - The Closet Intellectual") is bringing these giveaways.



We can all think of many things to by at Amazon., and we all can use free ad spaces.

Join the Giveaway...

Starts today July 29 and will run through August 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

 Enter to Win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky winner will be selected at random and notified via email, the winner must respond within 24 hours, if not another winner will be selected.

This giveaway is open worldwide, void where prohibited. The winner will receive a $50 US-Dollars Amazon Gift Card Code, delivered electronically to the email provided.

 Now for our Second Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky winner will be selected at random and notified via email, the winner must respond within 24 hours, if not another winner will be selected.

This giveaway is open to any blogger or small store owner with a family friendly site worldwide, void where prohibited. Winner can be denied at sponsors discretion with a full disclosure as to why it has been rejected. Ad spaces at sponsors webpages are the full responsible of each site's representative.

 Good Luck!