Corporate Carnivores-Dealing With Snakes

Like most teenagers, I had my fair share of drama, trying to work myself through relationships and friendships. After struggling to please my friends and be everything to everybody, facing rejection became frustrating. One day I had a growth moment when my father sat me down and said, "Jesus Can Change Anything and Anybody, but I could not! That transforming people was not my responsibility. " He then said that some people are just snakes, and until God Changes them, they will always be snakes. His words were one of the first of many lessons that taught me that I did not have the power to change a person.

This moment changed my life, and I realized that no matter how much I loved or invested in someone, the only person I can truly change is myself. It became evident that true joy and peace come from allowing God to work through me and not relying on trying to please those around me. That day I dedicated my life to changing the only person I have control over; me. Also, I came to the revelation that some people are just snakes. It wasn't my responsibility to change who they were in my life but to honor what they were and what they could do to my life.

There was a story a few years ago about a man that found a small, injured king cobra snake. The man took the snake home and nursed it until it was healthy and strong. The king cobra refused to leave when the man returned the snake to his natural environment. Instead of scurrying away, it stayed with the man who had cared for him for so long. One day King Cobra bit the man. As the snake's venom entered the man's body, shutting down every system of life, the man asked King Cobra, "Why would you do this to me? I took care of you, and you were my Friend!"  The snake said, "I know that you took good care of me, but I am a snake, and this is what I do!"

This story reminds me that no matter how much love and care after someone, they will always be who they are. I need to respect the people in my life for what they are and their roles. There will always be snakes in your life, and there are easy ways to deal with them without fear or intimidation. Here are things that you can do to deal with the snakes in your life:

• Keep your distance: Spend as little time around the person as possible.
• Trust your instincts: It isn't right if it doesn't feel right.
• Don't confide in them: Don't tell them anything you wouldn't want others to know.
• Stay assertive: Speak up and don’t let them get away with manipulative behaviors and lies.
• Be prepared to remove yourself from the situation: If necessary, walk away or take action to distance yourself further from their negative influence.
• Make sure to document evidence: Keep track of emails, texts, or other conversations with the person that may be pertinent.
• Don't let them play mind games: Be clear and direct when communicating your needs and boundaries so you don’t fall into their manipulative ploys.
• Stay focused on the facts: Don’t get into an emotional argument that suggests they can bring out the worst in you.
• Don’t take it personally: If a person behaves disrespectfully, remember that it reflects more on their character than yours.
• Rely on a support system: Find people who will help to build you up rather than tear you down and support you along this journey.

In closing, it is not your responsibility to change the snakes in your life. However, you must navigate life knowing that some people do not have your best interest in mind. Remembering that a person can still be successful even when confronted with difficult people is essential. Having healthy relationships and making progress despite being around snakes is possible. Developing effective communication strategies, setting boundaries, and keeping yourself informed will help you better deal with challenging people.

Additionally, it helps to focus on the things that matter - the things you can control and the things that will help you reach your goals. Finally, remember to take care of yourself! Taking time for self-care and engaging in activities like prayer or meditation can help manage stress and cultivate feelings of well-being. Understanding yourself better can also contribute to being more resilient when difficult people come along. With the proper tools, knowledge, and practice, you don't have to be afraid of snakes in your life. Instead, you can confidently navigate them and use them to your advantage.

Overall, it's important to remember that the snakes in your life don't have to define who you are or the success you can achieve. Recognizing and working around difficult people is possible while maintaining your sense of purpose and personal values. Being mindful and surrounding yourself with positive people will help you successfully tackle any snake that comes your way.  Have a Hustle Culture Day!