Sir Froggie’s Pondering
Ancient Amphibious Wisdom for a Modern Day World
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YOU CANNOT FORCE A
INTO BECOMING A
Do you go with the flow? Can you see your and other people’s unique gifts and qualities? Do you live authentically and allow others to do the same?
You cannot force a rock into becoming a tree.
We all have ideas of how the world and the people in it should be. We know what we like and don’t like, what we want and don’t want. Frequently, we believe our way is the best way, sometimes the only way. And for us, it may very well be. However, it’s quite probable our way will not work for someone else.
Whether it’s our taste in clothing, music, or career, what we eat, who we love, or how we exercise, handle our finances, or follow our dreams, we all have our own unique approaches. We have our own strengths, perspectives, experiences, abilities and belief systems. And we utilize them to do what works best for us.
The challenge comes when we see others doing things differently. In earnest, we may want to help make things better or easier for them so we propose doing it our way. How we present these suggestions may have a big impact on whether they are received with appreciation or resisted with resentment. Although our objective is to help, we must do it in a way which allows others to be authentic to themselves, retain their self respect and feel as if they’re capable of making great decisions. (Because they are!)
It’s important to work with a person’s strengths, to root them in their own gifts and abilities and help them branch out according to the desires of their heart and soul. If we truly want to help, we must leave them feeling good about who they are and in a condition which will allow them to grow and blossom when the time is right. Our job isn’t to force others to do things our way but to encourage them to bring their dreams into fruition in their own unique style.
It’s easy to get caught up trying to coerce others to become someone they’re not, or to follow our dreams or desires for them, instead of their own. We cannot force a rock into becoming a tree. One can polish a stone, whittle away at it and carve it into the shape of a tree. But a rock cannot grow roots. Nor will it ever grow branches or leaves. Yet under the right conditions a rock can become a crystal or even a diamond!
Both a rock and a tree serve their own special purpose and place in the world! Trees purify the air, provide a nesting place for birds and squirrels, create shade for ground plants and animals and could eventually bear fruit. Meanwhile, a rock may prevent soil from eroding and give the tree a more steadfast place to spread its roots. Rocks can be transformed into valuable jewelry, used in landscaping or to make roads. They can break down into sand and create beautiful beaches. Or be used as crystals for inspiration and healing.
Both rocks and trees are wonderful and unique aspects of nature. Both serve their place in the world and are worthy of appreciation.
But you cannot force a rock into becoming a tree.
— © April 06th, 2008, Sir Froggie &
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"Even pond-scum has a purpose for sustaining life -
Think what human beings are capable of!"
— © Sir Froggie