Choose the purest...proceed with caution

“Every object, every being,
is a jar full of delight.

Be a connoisseur,
and taste with caution.

Any wine will get you high.
Judge like a king, and choose the purest,

the ones unadulterated with fear,
or some urgency about ‘what’s needed.’

Drink the wine that moves you
as a camel moves when it’s been untied,
and is just ambling about.”

“The Many Wines” –Rumi

This poem may be addressing a number of different things but for me, first and foremost, it is addressing how important it is to be selective of the people with which you surround yourself.

In my past, even in my recent past, I have been guilty of allowing people in my life who have hurt me in rather elaborate ways, whether intentionally or not. They’ve torn me down mentally and emotionally. They’ve lead me on and left me to wallow never taking a glance back to see the consequences of their actions. I have even had people “discreetly” try to set me up so I would hurt someone I cared for dearly, in order to make them appear to be the more worthy friend between the two of us.

I have discovered since the inception of these situations that I allowed such things to happen. I was not 100% sure of the person I was, confident of what I deserved, or knowledgeable of the manipulation happening around me, manipulation that was used mainly because my self-esteem was down. Since these things have happened I have been made aware that I am worth more than their abuses. I am a person of substance and good company and I deserve better.

To these people I say no more. Be gone from my life so that I may be stress free and focused on people and things that matter most. I don’t have time for your drama, or your judgments; your harsh criticism and your indecision. From now on I will “choose the purest” of people (purest does not mean perfect) and drink the wine that moves me, surround myself with positive, like-minded individuals whose life is moving in a productive and positive direction.

Thank you wholeheartedly to the man who helped me realize what was happening. Who continues to give me the reassurance that I have the power to correct the damage done and keep people like those mentioned from damaging me further. You are truly a loved friend.