Rumor Has It?

 How often have you been guilty like me, of listening to someone's opinion of someone; someone you haven't even met yet?   A person's reputation can be predetermined, even destroyed in the blink of eye, when we engage in gossip.   I work on this constantly, because I am very aware that some personalities just don't mesh!    It's easy to go out in the  world, network and then fall into the trap of letting others' opinions of someone we haven't even met yet, determine whether we want to even meet them or do business with them.  Remember, jealously is the root of all evil.  It's the oldest motive in the world to destroy someone's reputation.  

One man's experience isn't necessarily another man's displeasure.   Different strokes for different folks and the same thing goes with personalities, tastes and opinions.  Everything we do or say is subjective to our inner beliefs & values;  tainted somewhat, with our past life experiences.   People, places and things, can trigger memories both good & bad, which is why it is very important to create our own opinions through our own experiences.  In other words, don't pass judgment on someone you haven't even spent quality time with.  It goes back to the ole' Golden Rule.    Remember, what we do to others, could come back to haunt us, so 'do unto others as you would have done unto you.'   That is what will make us truly free!!!

Photography by Tamarah Ellen "Free as a Buttercup"  |  A pony named Pepper

Is the Jury Still Out?  

People seem to love to engage in gossip and this is particularly nasty in business.   I've been to various networking groups and events, and while most people behave well, I have come across certain ones that love to jump at the chance to bash someone.  They are usually the ones who proclaim they are givers and they abide by codes of ethics.  Beware of the wolves in sheep clothing.   As long as you are in their niche group, they are your ally and then the minute you leave, you are forgotten or secretly bashed.   Well, that's just not cool!   

Photography by Tamarah Ellen |  "What You Looking At?"

Learn to be your own jury, without judgment.  It's what we would want others to do with us.   Everyone has a bad day, including myself and you!   Remember to form your own opinions about  others, but only after spending quality time with them  Don't fall into the trap of joining the bashing train.

I've also experienced the wolves that may not be happy with you, and it has nothing to do with your work.   They are usually going through something in their personal lives that we know nothing about, but you are the one in the way at that moment.  They threaten to destroy you and tell everyone about you, to scare you into a certain behavior or to get what they want.   Don't let these people rattle you.   Most people, if they have any integrity at all, wouldn't listen to this person to begin with.   Just stay in peace, move on and and keep up the good work. 

I love what Richard Branson says about "the customer is not always right."  He says, " My philosophy has always been, if you can put staff first, your customer second and shareholders third, effectively, in the end, the shareholders do well, the customers do better, and yourself are happy.  If the person who works at your company is 100% proud of the job they're doing, if you give them the tools to do a good job, they're proud of the brand, if they were looked after, if they're treated well, then they're gonna be smiling, they're gonna be happy and therefore the customer will have a nice experience."  *

Only Great Leaders Have Skeletons?

Well, this is another misconception.  We all have skeletons in our closet, and if you think you don't then try running for a political office.   This bothers me for than anything.   This is judgment in its truest form.   People are quick to jump on the hate wagon every time we have an election, as if they truly know the person running, from their own personal experience with them.    People do this in everyday life as well.   Don't follow the herd! 

Photography by Tamarah Ellen

We all know every person who has ever run for office gets dirt drug up, and none of us know what is really true.  Everyone has an agenda, and we are fools to believe everything we hear.  People say that money is the root of all evil, but the money is only the backdoor to evil.  People are the root to all evil, and their motivation is greed and money.  Money is an inanimate object which has no control over itself.    With that said, we can rest assure much of these skeletons that come out, are often paid for with large sums of money to people.  It's so interesting how people turn a blind eye to this when it's of someone they don't like, and when it's someone they do, they admit a payoff.  

We the people, have to become the leaders, and we do that by refusing to buy into the media, and by refusing to buy into local gossip as well.  We create our own inner circles and focus on the things we have control over.  We must choose a better path, and a more serene one. 

 Photography by Tamarah Ellen

Trick or Treat?

So, trick or treat, like it or not, there are skeletons everywhere, gossip everywhere, and none of us know what is true or what is not.   Is it a trick that was paid off with a treat?  Who knows.   What I do know is that we should treat others as we would like to be treated.  Make our own opinions based on our own experiences, remembering every dog has its day, and some of those days are bad.   If we want people to give us a chance, then we must give others a chance. 

Don't be the person who drags up negativity.   Hate can spread like wildflowers and it's not good for anyone.   LOVE, however can change the world for the greater good.  Don't argue, but instead, let others be right.  A wise man told me many years ago, "Tamarah, let others be right and you be rich.  That is what will change your world."   He was right.   When we let go of the need to be right, and spread love instead of hate, our world changes.   People will change their views of us, and leave the hate to the negative people of the world.   Let them be right and you be rich;  rich with love, rich with wealth, rich with great health, rich with wisdom and rich with incredibly long lasting relationships in love and in friendships!   Love makes the world go around!

Photography by Tamarah Ellen  | Pepper

 Take a Leap of Faith

So to sum it up, don't waste time hating people you don't truly know anything about.  Don't judge our leaders when in reality, we don't really know the truth.  Remember that one man or woman can't change the world alone.  It takes all the people, so spread love versus hate.  It takes an army so create an army with good intentions of love for the greater good.   Remember, we are all broken and working to become better.   We all have skeletons, so don't judge others' unless you are willing to put your skeletons on the line.  

Photography by Tamarah Ellen

Take a leap of faith this year, build relationships that will benefit all!  Trust is a tricky thing, and something I struggle with.  I think we all do.   The way to build trust, is start small.  Meet people for coffee, get to know a little about them; what are their goals and dreams, do they have passion in what they do.   Spend a little time with them and start small projects together or small referrals. 

                                                                                          Photography by Tamarah Ellen

I want people to refer me for the great work I do, but also because of how much I care.   If someone is always holding their hand out to you for a referral, find someone who is a true giver.   People who always want something, are not going to refer you quality people.   They also don’t care about your work.  That are looking for a quick buck.  Watch out for those wolves again! 

Last, be the person that spreads love and gives pause to judgement, because no of us have the right to judge.  What we put out in the world comes back to us, so be a giver.  Be good to the people who help your business, and when all businesses do well, we all benefit.   Spend time working harder on yourself than anything you do and your business will thrive.  People love to work with people who care.  

It's better to stand alone than get sucked into other people's opinions and beliefs, or their work ethics, if they don't mesh with your values.   Don't be a puppeteer, but instead be a leader! 

Photography by Tamarah Ellen   |  Imminent Reflections

People don't care how much you know, until they see how much you care.  Lift others and you will lift the world around you!   When we do this, the jury will come back with a verdict of love and success for all!

Tamarah Ellen

* https://www.inc.com/eric-schurenberg/sir-richard-branson-put-your-staff-first-customers-second-and-shareholders-third.html