Influence or nurture?

A freind posed an interesting question to me. If you could choose the people you have in your life, would you have those who influence you in positive ways or those who nurture you? I choose the latter. Somehow influence has a air of the holier-than-thou, I-know-whats-good-for-you that I abhor in people. We often run into people who pontificate on how we should live our lives without really investing time and effort into trying to understand us up close. These people operate from the Ego. Influencing others gives them a sense of power and superiority. That's why I prefer the nurturing kind. It speaks of humility and compassion. It speaks of active engagement, interest, affection and genuine concern. Well, we never get to choose in life. Or do we?

Back from Yellowstone

Blessings that I need to count everyday - hot water, and a strong pair of legs to carry me on hiking trips.



Things I discovered I don't like: bumpy plane rides, the fear of bears...I don't dislike bears, I just don't like having to be afraid of them. After reading Jamaica Kincaid's "A Walk in the Himalayas", I have decided that I don't like leeches either. This is obviously not from experience but its one of those things I haven't the slightest desire of ever running into.