Flat tires

I am working on presentation material and was reminded of "flat tires" those things that keep you from moving on down the road in a positive direction.  Over the years I have learn to let go of past experiences and people that contribute negatively to my life.  I can love them and pray for them without having them impact my life.  Every once in a while I still catch myself revisiting that pattern. 

I recently became aware I was doing this when my insides screamed, "why are you wanting to go back there and connect with the people that make you feel this way?".  Until that point I was looking forward to connecting with an old acquaintance and catching up. In the past I would have ignored that feeling and considered myself lacking friendship skills;  if I connected with them I would strengthen those weak skills.  Instead of ignoring the "calling of my heart" I listened and pondered.  I don't want to be the kind of person that throws people by the wayside because my tolerance is narrow.  I want to be open, a good, and a loyal friend.  I don't want to be the person that is ALWAYS driving on a "flat tire"and not getting very far either.  I do not want to waste precious time and energy chasing an image of a relationship that "could be" and ignoring the "reality of the relationship".  That is another "flat tire" experience people often have.  They see what they want instead of seeing what is really there.

My pondering brought me to an expression, "Watching your growth OR LACK OF IT, confirms the direction I should pursue, OR NOT PURSUE depending on the outcome of our journey together."  Hopefully that will provide me with a better measuring stick for knowing what relationships to place my time and energy in pursuing and which ones are just parting paths with hearty "wishing you well".  Sincerely!