There are two types of people: thermostats and thermometers.
Thermometers will always reflect the current temperature, but thermostats actually set the temperature. This is a concept often taught in leadership circles. Some believe that it merely signifies the distinction between leaders and followers. But I submit to you that each person has the ability to set the tone for their environment and his or her life. I have seen people allow others to do things in their space and environment that THEY don't even do.
We must establish boundaries for ourselves and our space. If people are allowed to say anything to us and do anything to us, our relationships will be of poor quality. We may find ourselves repeatedly being used, disrespected, and devalued.
Setting the tone, or temperature, is easy. We can simply say, I don't participate in this or we don't do that here, etc... I have found that people are more respectful of individuals that have rules and boundaries, than those that don't.
What do you allow that you are unhappy with? Do the people you spend the most time with know what you will/will not accept? Are you in control of your own space and life, or do you allow others to control you? In short, are you a thermostat or a thermometer?
Take courage and let others know what you will and will not accept in your space and in your relationships. You will lose the losers and attract winners!
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I think that there are points in our lives when we we have to exhibit the characters of being both the thermometer & the themostat. We should be able to switch to the which ever role best fits the situation, also keeping boundaries in place so that there is no abuse or misinterpretation.
ReplyDeleteMichelle...a nice twist in perspective.
ReplyDelete