Recently, I took a trip down to Southern California to visit family. It’s one of those obligation things we do. I say that because this visit finds me enduring the “poor unlucky me” syndrome spouted continuously by the one I’m visiting.
I certainly know what I’m getting myself into on these trips. This is why I always plan my escapes away from the house of doom every few hours. Escape is a mere mode of survival. It was a mode of survival against the resistant and negative minds of these people I call family. The same people, who raised me, fed me, clothed me, and acted to protect me from harm by limiting (or trying) my wild thinking mind.
Being one who speaks and writes about positive thoughts and success, this visit always goes counter to my real inertia. My real inertia being thoughts, speeches, and writing centered on helping others become happy and successful.
When I leave and come back to Seattle I always feel dirty. Not dirty in a muddy or filthy way but dirty in an “Ooh I can’t believe I let that taint my mind” way. Do you have relatives like this? Maybe you had a parent who was and/or is still like this? How do you overcome the dark cloud of negativity that they walk around with?
Here is how I dealt with it on this trip. First, I made sure I brought lots of motivational reading material. On this trip alone I read four books in five days. This is what I used to keep me focused and sane.
The All-Star Sales Book: Get in the Game, Boost Your Numbers, and Earn the Big Bucks
Be All You Can Be: A Challenge to Stretch Your God-Given Potential
Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Like I said earlier, I had a rental car so I could make strategic escapes. On one escape I headed off to Palm Springs and on another I hit Hermosa Beach and the pier. That is an awesome place. They have a wonderful boardwalk with outstanding restaurants and a cute blue motel right on the beach. I think I’ll go back for the fourth of July and stay there and not tell my negative relative I’m coming.
The final thing I did to keep myself away from the garbage pail thinking as much as possible was to get out and walk. This helped to clear my mind. I was able to review my affirmations and goals in my head as I walked. The fresh air did me good and helped me avoid another downer a morning.
If you find yourself locked up in a home or spot with a negative relative you may want to try some of these things as well. I was able to visit and avoid most of the negative barbs that seemed to zing past me. Good luck and if you need a virtual hug our inspiration pick me up, just email or call. I’m there for you.
