bullies & silver linings

Friday, October 17, 2014











the ocean / bees & lavender / coleus / handsome, handsome Sam / a crow welcoming us onto the boardwalk / petunias / seaweed & barnacles / a long walk on the beach with my big guy / Oliver & cosmos bright lights

Remember that an act of hatred belittles the one who acts it out - but not the one it is done against unless that person allows it to. Each person who reaches out in love grows a bit himself even when the love appears to be refused. Dixie Dawn Miller Goode

I've been dealing with bullies, adult bullies - even worse than that adult bullies who are neighbours (relatively new to this little village). People who have a reputation and one that preceded their move, of being mean and nasty. Even though I know their bullying behaviour is directed at many, many people I'm still shocked and honestly a bit ashamed at how much their meanness bothers me, hurts me & takes over my thoughts - turning into a kind of non-stop obsessive rumination ?!? I'm currently reading Tara Brach's book* True Refuge: Finding Peace & Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart, WOW ! it's helping so much to teach me how to "let that shit go" and especially how to not make it personal - when it feels nothing but.

The silver lining in situations like this one is the reminder to treat everyone with kindness & compassion especially the bullies of the world ... that said I am counting the days until I move to Lunenburg and say my final goodbye !! to Mr & Mrs Mean.
 
If they don't like you for being yourself, be yourself even more. Taylor Swift

* I love this book SO much I've ordered a copy for myself, it's a book you want to have beside your bed for these angsty moments and a book you want to write notes in & highlite whole paragraphs.

3 comments:

  1. Perhaps in their own way, Mr. & Mrs. Mean are making your transition to Lunenburg easier ?
    I had a nutjob neighbour back in Peterborough who would call the Police to say I'd put nails in her driveway which (of course) I NEVER did. Know how such folk can affect your psyche. Don't let 'em get to ya hon. I wonder what has caused folk to become like that ... they must lead miserable lives ... consider yourself HUGGED.

    P.S. are you SURE you don't want to move to Eastern Passage ? lol

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  2. Beautiful images as always dear Susan, Sam looks like he is enjoying his walk and Oliver as beautiful as ever. How is Itty Bitty Betty, I hope she is well?
    Sorry about the problem with your neighbours, some people just cant help being mean and inflict their nastiness wherever their narrow minds lead them. I have one in an adjoining property who seems to spend a lot of time on a ladder looking into my back garden complaining about, trees, leaves, twigs, shade on his clothes line. As I have pointed out the trees were here long before he or I moved in and they are protected, I suggested he might like to move his clothes line. I have paid out a fortune in tree trimming, permission from the council but he always finds something more to complain about. If does get me down sometimes, I believe in leaving people alone and letting them get on with their lives. What kind of person gets on a ladder and looks into your garden?
    Love and hugs dear Susan
    xoxoxo ♡

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  3. I don't know why there are always a few that thrive on just being difficult and mean and they are everywhere. I dealt with my share of them when I was working. I retired early so all of that is a thing of the past. It has been a breath of fresh air not having to deal with difficult people. Sorry you have to deal with those types of people as your days are coming to end at 29 Black Street. I do hope you leave this blog open. I have so enjoyed reading it. Your photos are just breath taking! I can't remember when exactly I found it, but I have so enjoyed the journey. You words always make me feel like I am not alone in this path called life with all of it's ups and downs or as my mother used to call them "bumps in the road." I'm still trying to decide on the size of the SWIM THE SEA print!! Save one for me!! Stay Strong!!

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