When you speak do you motivate or demoralize. - engage or enrage or even disengage? I watched as the shoreline disappeared and sailed away from the harbor into blue serene waters. I had waited with great anticipation to go sailing. I envisioned the sails filling up with the wind and the sea lapping against the boat and splashing on to the deck. Everything was going just as I pictured it as we skimmed across the cool water. Then suddenly there was no wind and the sails began to flap and deflate. The boat slowed to a crawl and suddenly everything changed. I am reminded of the times I was inspired, ready to share my enthusiasm only to have someone take the wind out of my sails. The first thing to remember is people who are unhappy sometimes cannot handle seeing someone else happy. They need to bring you down to their level of unhappiness, so they must say something negative or critical. Second, there are some that are jealous of your success. Bitterness sets in and they try to embitter everyone else. Jealousy is accompanied with a twin sister, envy. This is when they see something in you, but they see no way for them to have the same so they begin to covet, complain and blame. In business, ministry, and everyday life you will run into people who will try to take the wind out of your sails. You will find there are always those that stand by to rip up your aspirations. If your dream is BIG it usually makes the little thinkers uncomfortable. Some are just scared they may have to come out of their comfort zone and do something different. It is often easier to do what they have always done. For some it is hard work and they are just plain lazy. Sometimes they have gotten into a routine and do not want to disturb their ways. Some are just not risk tolerant. Some just follow the crowd and find it easier to fit in than to stand out and take criticism. Who are the people that make you feel good about you? Who are the people who drain the wind out of your life? Who are the encouragers? Who are those who have the unique ability to discourage and tear down? It is important you surround yourself with people who are supportive. Remember you can not always change people, but you can change your associations with people. Look for those who inspire and encourage and are positive. You need to guard your associations. You may need to walk away from the negative associations and look for positive and encouraging peers. Just keep moving forward and realize the next wind is ready and will soon fill your sails.
This does not mean that you should surround yourself with mindless yes people who are afraid of giving you a valid evaluation . Your wonderful plan may have a flaw. Never be so full of yourself that you ignore wise counsel