A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds

Greg hired a gardening service about a year ago to come once a week to mow the lawn etc. They just started coming again since the winter break and I was shocked to find out that I still have 3 little strawberries plants kicking. They are flowering right now, I might have some strawberries soon!!

Weeds are the enemy of beautiful gardens because they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Likewise, the weeds in your life must go because they compete for your energy and block the positive thoughts and action toward your goals and your happiness. As you may imagine, at this point in my life, I need all the positive energy I can muster:

1. I need to keep Nicky as healthy as possible-which includes daily bandage changes, nightly "cocktail" of medicines, g-tube feedings, trips to the hospital for infusions, dentist, hydrotherapy, xrays, throat dilatations etc.

2. I need to make sure my husband gets all the help he can from the medical community and help him with daily excercises and daily things he cannot yet do by himself. I have to always have a positive word or thought for him. He deserves it.

3. I want to do good in College and hopefully get my degree before 2012... and still keep up with my work schedule and keep up with all the household chores which pretty much all fall on my shoulder, laundry, cleaning etc.

I am not complaining here BTW, I am just stating what I need my energy and positive thoughts for.

So... what are some of these weeds?

1. Some weeds are yours forever. They are better known as family. Some family members are exactly what you need, you are there for them and they are there for you, they are joy to have in your life. Unfortunately others are poison, only bringing negativity to your life. They are ungrateful, uncaring and selfish.

You know the ones I mean. They are the ones who either cannot be happy no matter what or/and always bring negativity, doubt, depression and sorrow in every moment of every day.

2. Some weeds you choose. They are better known as friends or spouses. We are drawn to share our dreams and goals with them, but we have to be careful. While some friends are wonderful and truly have your best interest at heart, some may become jealous or resentful. Do not let them project their fears on to you, your progress toward your goals and happiness will be slowed if not stopped.

How do we remove these weeds from our life?

Minimizing contact is the first step to reduce exposure to the toxic efforts of people out to diminish your worth and devalue your goals. Depending on the amount of negativity and life-sucking capability of these individuals, one must severe ties as soon as you become aware of the damage they are causing.

Preventing future weeds from entering your life garden is the next step. While minimizing contact with toxic family members may be the only step, while making new friends, now that you can recognize the signs, you can act quickly to keep them from getting too close.

Always be on guard against inviting your own internal weeds in the form of negative thinking and self-destructive habits. Keep practicing more positive thoughts, follow your passion and pursue your goals, but always be prepared for possible weeds lurking.