“You can tell a man’s vises by his friends, his virtues by his enemies.” – Ben Domenech.
There is value in having enemies. If I meet a person who has not one enemy, I’d be suspicious of that person and wonder if he/she were lying, mistaken, or a people pleaser. But if they do have enemies and (even better) are proud of that, it means they stood for something at some point in life.
Understand that everyone has enemies. They may not admit it or may not know it, but they do have an enemy out there somewhere.
Too many people feel that they must win a popularity contest, and they go out of their way to do it. They suck up, try to be someone they aren’t just to run with the pack, seek attention, and bully those they see as defective. What’s even sadder is that they reach a point where they don’t know who they are anymore.
They unknowingly make themselves slaves to other people’s opinions and, therefore, slaves to others. This is a waste of time and too much work. Even worse, it chips away at your self-esteem. You end up letting yourself down to please others, and that’s not good.
The only way you can be free is to be true to yourself and let others have their opinions of you, good or bad. Realize that opinions are just that- opinions, and they’re like elbows. Everybody has them. Opinions are just as cheap as talk.
So, if you have enemies, be proud of it. It means that you’ve taken a stand and that you’re not afraid to be different. If you have enemies and are okay with having them, then you have the freedom, and you can do anything you want. Always remember that.
Beautiful post !!
Thank you so much. ❤
Wonderful!!
Thank you for your kindness, Amber! 🙂
Always welcome, such empowering posts. 🌹🙏
❤🌹
Thank you, sweetie! 😊
You’re spot-on. I vividly recall years ago when I was driving home from college – I wasn’t happy about the trip because it was something my father demanded and I was putting his wishes ahead of mine. As I fumed and drove, the thought popped into my mind “why am I pleasing him when I see him 5% of the time and live with myself 100% of the time?” I was so surprised by the thought that I literally had to pull over on the side of the road to think it through. Particularly the fact that everything had to be his way with no compromise.
It was a major turning point in how I’ve lived my life and I’ve never regretted my choice to live the life I wanted.
This is so awesome and empowering to read! I’m so proud of you for finding the courage to live life on your terms.
I assure you that it wasn’t easy, at least not at first – my father had a bully streak and wanted everything his way. Thankfully, I’d moved out and didn’t rely on him for much of anything, so it wasn’t as difficult to point blank tell him thing were about to change. And change they did. For the better, but it was a step of faith and it took courage to make the change.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone felt strong enough to live the life they want instead of one that someone else is forcing on them?
That was my first thought after reading your empowering story. I could just imagine your father’s wrath and reaction. It’s a good thing you weren’t living at home, Jeanne. And you’re right. If everyone felt strong enough to live their own lives, I believe the world would be a lot different.
I was fortunate.
Thank goodness! Whew!
At my age, soon to be sixty, I just don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I am too old to fight a popularity contest.
Actually, I misspoke. I care of how my friends feel about me.
That’s totally normal and okay. We always value the opinions of the people we love and who love us! It’s okay, Dwain. I know what you mean. 🙂
I’m not sure I have any enemies but there are people who will never be my friend and that I would never trust completely. “They do have an enemy out there…” Sherlock Holmes did not immediately know about Moriarty but he was out there. Maybe I’ve never really thought about this. Food for thought, thank you.
You’re so welcome, Herb! 😊
Love this!
Thank you so much, Jack and Dodie! Much appreciated!