The Beast Within

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In every human being, there is good and there is evil.  The Bible tells us that we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity.  The Bible also tells us we are made in God’s image, so there is inherent good in all of us.  So if we all possess both good and evil, why do some people turn out good and others turn out bad? Why is it possible for some of us the tame the beast within?

Don’t feed it!

We all know that any creature you feed will grow. It’s apparent in nature, and it can be applied to out emotional state as well.  If we allow ourselves to wallow in negativity, we have in essence plotted the course for failure.  The environment we were raised in is the jumping off point, but it doesn’t have to determine of future. There are many who began lives in less than perfect (a definite understatement) situations, but went on to achieve great things.  Our current President is a prime example.  He could have let his humble beginnings lead to a mediocre or even tragic ending. But he recognized that a positive attitude and a strong work ethic can help one to overcome many obstacles.  Those who feed the beast will feel their lives are going nowhere fast. They turn to illegal and immoral means as a way of getting ahead. They think this is the only way out of a bad situation.

Don’t let others feed it!

We will meet all manner of people throughout our lives, but we don’t have to let them influence our thinking. We will definitely meet up with bigots and other close-minded individuals. We will meet naysayers and haters of every sort.  We know people who are nasty and bitter over things that may well have happened decades ago.  Some folks we know are having a daily pity party for themselves because life has never given them a fair shot.  Granted, there is injustice in the world, but sometimes the problem is that we have not taken any initiative.  Cut people like this out of your life – they are an albatross weighing you down. They will convince you that the odds are stacked against you and that you can’t win. You wind up as bitter as they are, striking out against an imaginary enemy, your fellow man, stepping on any and everyone that you think is blocking your way.

Beat It Back With A Positive Attitude

This sounds rather silly and simplistic, I know. However it does go a long way toward taming the beast.  The first step, in my opinion, is gratitude.  Be thankful for all the small things that are going right in your life.  Even be thankful for the stumbling blocks; they soon become stepping stones.  Recognize that your setbacks may be a setup for your breakthrough.  Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid of new ideas. I mentioned in an earlier article (Too Many Radishes) that doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.  I believe Einstein said that, and it’s true.  Let go of past hurts and disappointments – forgiveness is an attitude as well.  Air things out if you need to, but let it go. Otherwise you will spend your life plotting out revenge against those who you feel have harmed you.

There could be a book written on this subject. However, I read an article just this morning warning of the risks of making ones articles too long.  So I will close by saying to keep your head up, it will keep you from drowning in the cesspool of negativity that we live in everyday.  Learn to tame the beast within – it’s easier if the beast is weak from starvation.  Don’t feed it!