The opposite was true when we lived in Minnesota. When people visited during the long sub zero seasons, being outdoors for only a minute or two was just too much for them.
Our environment affects us. People who live in a dirty environment are more susceptible to sickness. People who live in a very cold climate develop a tolerance to cold weather. People who live on the coast tend to eat more seafood.
When I lived in Minnesota, I adapted to my environment. I couldn't walk outside in shorts and a t-shirt in January. That cold climate affected my life.
Our environment really does affect us, whether it is the geographical location, the climate, the cleanliness of our home, or even our friends and acquaintances.
Who do you like to hang out with? Are they positive people who are enthusiastic about life? Or, are they negative people who complain about everything?
Plenty of people sit around with others and talk about how bad things are going in the world today. They take turns elaborating on how bad things are in their own lives. Those kinds of discussions never produce any real solutions, only more misery. And, misery loves company.
People you hang out with may be very negative. And, yes, you do have an opportunity to try and encourage them and help them. But at some point, you need to realize that all that negativity is affecting you.
I'm very well aware that there are times when the people we work with are very negative. You may have to work side by side with them, but you don't have to have lunch with them. You don't have to go out with them after work either. And, some people, because of the negativity at work, have sought out other employment that so that they could work-in a more positive environment.
You may have relatives who are very negative and who always see the worst in everything. You can be loving and kind; you can try and help them; but you don't need to spend large amounts of time with them.
I don't believe that negative people have evil intentions. They are not purposing planning to hurt your life. But, nonetheless, they are still dream stealers. A dream stealer takes away the confidence, hope and drive to continue on the path to reach your dreams.
The more you hang out with them and absorb their negativity, the more it affects your dreams, your vision, your goals and aspirations. It becomes much easier for doubts and worries to enter your mind. After all, when your friends have obviously given up on their dreams, what makes you think you can obtain yours?
I am always ready and willing to help someone take their eyes off of their current conditions so that they can look up, get up, and start moving forward. But, I am not going to just listen to negative after negative for hours and hours from someone who doesn't want to change.
No wonder the Bible talks about not speaking things that tear down or bring down, but rather speak things that build up and encourage.
Always have something kind and uplifting to say to yourself and to others. But beware of the dream stealers!
