LIBERATING MYSELF

I'm making a decision... drawing a line in the sand.  Finally.

First:  I have emotions and feelings.  They just don't rule me.

There are people in my life that I can't exactly get away from completely (some relatives, for example) that live their lives based on feeling and emotion.  I find it exhausting and frustrating.  It's easy (especially with my mother-in-law) to get sucked into the vortex... much like being a fragment of fiber that's in a sink, getting helplessly wooshed into the downward tornado-like spiral that is a drain.  You can't even see out of the vortex, let alone climb to freedom.

There's people that MUST have turmoil in their life.  If everything's ok, they have to create a problem about which to fret.  This is the way they're wired, and that's fine.  It works for them, and that's what they need.  The way I am probably drives THEM nuts.  They need drama, excitement, turmoil and stress.  I hate those things, and trying to be close to people like that is draining me.

So, I've reached a decision.  I'm not going to be close with people who operate from their emotions.  I'm a facts-and-committment-based person, and that's what I understand.  Why should I bang heads with perfectly good people that are just wired differently than me?  We can be pleasant and enjoy each other on a certain level, but I'm not going to get sucked into any more vortexes.  Life's too short to drive each other bonkers.

Whew.  Glad THAT'S off my chest. 

Credit where it's due:  I learned this concept from my husband, who's mother is the epitome of what I'm talking about.  She's all drama, all the time.  I admire many, many of her traits, as does he, and of course we love her.  But long ago he decided to keep a safe distance from her (from Austin to Dallas, at that time), just to keep his sanity.  This works great for all of us, and I've learned from that.  Thanks to Richie!