As humans we tend to absorb influences from many different sources; Friends, family and media, what we see, read and hear and from all corners of the globe. In the modern world there's so many sources of influence some very positive and some extremely negative.
Those of us in the know are more likely to consider a source of influence, and the information itself, carefully prior to taking it on board and in fact some information may even influence us away from the source. The fake news [propaganda] most of the "news broadcasters" bombard us with is a great example. I hardly listen to a word of it and of the little I listen to I believe even less; They have influenced me to think they are all puppets on strings promoting corporation and government shit. However there's always people [sheeple] out there willing to scoop up the shit and consume it as if it were the finest tasting food available. Have at it sheeple, it's not my gig though.
I spoke to a great buddy of mine last night; He's about to deploy with his unit to somewhere he cannot mention and called me to say goodbye and also asked that I keep in touch with his family. He lives interstate and so we don't see each other that much however we speak a lot, about a lot of stuff. He is super-intelligent and I always gain great insight into many different concepts that I take away and integrate into my life. He is what I would call a positive influencer, one of my influencers and a very valuable friend. I'll miss him for the next 6-9 months.
After we spoke he sent me a text message. His ethos I guess you'd call it, one of them anyway. He didn't write the words, just borrowed them. I have written it out for you below and have left it intact except for one part. The one that says live hard actually said fuck hard and I changed it in the advent of someone wanting to save the image. I didn't respond to the message. It needed no response. It was just a reminder for me and one which he gives me every so often, mostly right before he deploys. Maybe this is his one vice...He loves these meme things. LOVES them!
I thought I'd share it with you because, well I guess because I can. You see, having positive influencers around me has been one of the greatest opportunities in my life. It allows me to see through another's eyes, to live and learn vicariously through them and to take that influence and integrate it, or not, into my life as I deem fit and proper.
Positive influencers are not always the people you expect them to be; They can come from unexpected sources and sometimes the influence they impart is unexpected also. My mate believes in the words he sent me above, he lives them. He is a passionate man, difficult to get close to by nature and one of the most loving husbands I have ever met. He is gentle and yet also brutally capable of extreme violence. He dotes on his daughter and is honest to a fault. I am proud to call him friend and of his service to our country. I am grateful to have an influencer like him to draw inspiration from and for the brutal honesty he always gives me.
Who influences you. That's a question I think everyone needs to ask and answer about themselves in this crazy world we live in. Influence can have such a dramatic affect upon our lives and I'm confident it shouldn't be left to chance. It's better to control it, to shape it the way you want it and gain the benefit that comes from it. Or I guess you could shovel the media's shit into your mouth. It's a choice I guess.
Another excellent read. Several influencers and a lot of influencing "events" ya?n That's how I feel I am defined to this point in my life.
It is hard to define with a clear cut border tho. I enjoy reading your posts when I do visit your blog, Galen.
And rightly so, I was hype reading about your feelings on the media. Same here brother, same shit here, different country, yet same bullshit media propaganda string-puppets talking-head [expletive] argh I can't stand it anymore. Stay woke Galen.
Thanks mate, I appreciate your comments and you taking the time to read my blog.
I loved the sayings in that meme. Made a whole lot of sense. Especially the fuck hard and love harder part. It tells one to set priorities straight.
I have never liked listening to or watching news broadcasts even when I was a kid. My father had issues with me over it. He felt a man should be interested in news and football. I detested both till date. I know that most media lie for political points, money, and all other inanities. I don't believe a thing I hear on television.
As to positive influence, you are very correct about influence coming from places you least expect. I have had to be friends with persons who surprised me with their depth as well as their personality despite the kind of persons they were.
Great post @galenkp
Thanks @warpedpoetic. I didn't think it was one of the better ones I did, seems a bit all over the place. There's a lot going on. Still, the message is good I think.
The media are responsible for disseminating lies and propaganda and many millions of people [sheeple] use it to form their opinions and thoughts. It's disgusting. They talk about the zombie apocalypse...That shit has started. Zombies walking around everywhere.
Thanks for your comments. Glad you like my mates' meme. As I said I don't think he wrote it but he definitely lives it.
My big brother is 7 years older, so he has always been a major positive influence in my life. We never fought as kids, except for fun anyway.
Just recently I needed some help, he drove 3 hours each way, two times, just to give me a hand.
Big brothers are often inspiring and helpful and influencers can come from many sources, within and without the family unit.
I have my very own great influencer too. I kind most of my maturity to my friend and ex roommate. Truly, positive influences are worth it.
You should have let it be "fuck hard" though, it makes it more pragmatic.
Changed Live hard to "fuck hard" for ya @lucenbritex. :)
I like all the quotes except for the beer one.
It's great to have positive people around you. And to keep them around for a long time. Sometimes, it takes a little willpower and affirmation to stomp the negative people and their negative energy out. 😤
Changed beer for coffee for you @prince-maanisaad...
Haha!! That works. 😆
on TV all the leading ladies always have a wise black friend.
Like Bill Cosby.
LOL
Really good piece mate. It is so important to be surrounded by positive thinking. I wonder how many people's lives could have turned out so much different if only they had more positive input, my own included. It's hard to stay positive when too much around you is negative and falling apart. I'm glad to have maid friends like you and a few others that are good and clear think positive people.
It's a mindset and yes, difficult to maintain or even find sometimes. That's the trick of it. Surrounding yourself with the right people is a step in the right direction. They help feed the positivity your way and also keep you honest by calling your bullshit excuses when they arise. :)
You got a 39.86% upvote from @ocdb courtesy of @galenkp!