First things first: This is NOT a politically motivated post.

I know certain thoughts may have come to your mind when you first read today’s blog title.

However, jumping into politically charged waters is not what we do here in The Swirl World.

What This Post Is About – The Back Story

Saturday night I served as the emcee of a banquet honoring 12 community and church leaders.

I was proud of the accomplishments of the honorees, and even more so inspired by the personal legacies they’re building.

The keynote speaker managed to be interesting, funny and challenging all at the same time – my favorite combination.

Something she stated in her address made me sit still:

“The Bible says ‘thou shalt not kill.’ We may not kill people with weapons, but we kill ideas.”

The Purpose Of This Post

“We may not kill people with weapons, but we kill ideas.”

Now do you understand why this post is titled, “Thou Shalt Not Kill?”

How many times have we allowed other people to kill our ideas?

We have an idea, and unfortunately for us, we share it with the wrong person.

They tell us all the reasons why it can’t work, won’t work, shouldn’t work – and we believe them.

Consequently, our ideas wither on our lips, die on the vine and never see the light of day.

Somebody killed our idea – and we allowed it to happen.

What We Can Learn From Negative People and Idea Killers

I believe the greatest lesson we can learn from negative people and idea killers is this: They are the people we need to stay away from.

I’m serious.

Avoid negative people like the plague, because they excel at destroying your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Don’t allow them into your space, and if by virtue of kinship or relationship you find it difficult to remove them from your life then do the next best thing: Keep your ideas to yourself, and instead, implement them. Act quietly if you must, but above all, act.

To All You Killers Out There

While I’m at it, I may as well flip the coin – are you that person – the person who kills other people’s ideas?

Are you the Criticizing Connie, Doubtful Debbie or Negative Nelly?

Are you an idea killer – which in essence means you’re a dream killer?

Do you realize your negativity and idea-killing behavior is a reflection of your own insecurity and fear?

You’re insecure, and you feel the need to put others down because in reality, you lack confidence.

Stop acting out of your own fear, doubt and unbelief.

Work at building others up and encouraging other people’s dreams, and you’ll soon find your own life – and your own ideas – taking flight.

 Side Note

Want to read some good, thought-provoking blogs covering political issues and current news events? Check out L.A. Moore of Bougie Black Girl and Darren W. and Jenn Jackson of Water Cooler Convos. I religiously read their blogs and stalk their Twitter timelines, and heartily recommend them.

 

 

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing 365 days of inspiration in 2015. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and inspired by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

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Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™.