SPIRIT CRUSHERS

I had brunch today with my friend Kris Drumm, a social worker. She brought up an expression I had never heard before: Spirit Crushers, men and women who work overtime to crush your spirit. I think of it as competitive. Who’s on top? Who’s the boss? People who want you to be less than so they can be more than. Spending time with Kris, a woman of love, lifts my spirit.

After arriving home, I packed my computer and trotted off to MyFloridaPC to have my problem solved: computer frozen. I spent over an hour speaking about life and love with Julian, a young man, a tech genius, who emanates kindness. When I left, he said, stop by anytime. We had a meaningful conversation; we both wanted more. He lifted my spirit.

It was my friend Jim Behan’s birthday – so I called Scotland to wish him well on his 83rd. We laughed. I don’t know why, but we always find something to laugh about. Joy. The call lifted my spirits.

And then I came home to my Plantation Place development and encountered Spirit Crushers, men and women who breathe hate. Yes, hate. They want me to see myself through their eyes. I want to define myself, period. I want the people who know me and love me to define me. I will not take on their hate.

I have been using the word ‘more’ more and more. That is, the world seems populated by men and women who want more. More home; more car; and especially, more money. Because their lives are stagnant, they hate those who appear content. E.g., I can be more if I can see in your eyes that I succeed in making you feel less. Back to: Who’s the boss? Who’s going to define you? You? Or, Spirit Crushers?