Keeping Your Friends and Enemies Closer

Now now now... This post isn't meant to be malicious in anyway, so no thinking that based off the title.

So I was playing this highly addictive game called Tiles of the Unexpected (www.gorillaz.com) which is a game I often entertain myself with when I'm bored. You know, one of those games where when you focus hard enough you're eventually left in the zone of "no thought." Yup! It's one of those games! Excellent if you ask me! Anywho... So as I was playing, the quote "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," popped into my mind and I began to contemplate what a sneaky concept that is. At the same time I was struck by the thought that perhaps this line isn't meant in the vindictive sense that everyone perceives it as. Well... No... This line is meant to be what most people have defined it as; Keep those you mistrust the most in your sights so you can act/attack before they can. It's all about strategy...

However, it occurred to me that maybe there's an alternative way to look at it. Instead of assuming it's more based on plotting the first strike, what if one were to look at it from the perspective that keeping those who are "obstacles" close to you in your life is just as key as keeping those who are considered to be within your "inner circle" close to you? (Sorry if that line is a bit baffling. Try re-reading it a few times and you might get it).

Here's my thinking... Those who are our "enemies" are our greatest teachers and if we can come to this realization and then to terms with that realization, they can become key teachers in our life. Although yes friends and family can be our life's most amazing teachers, we're far more willing to welcome the lessons they provide than to that of someone we deem our "enemy". It is our "enemies" who can bring us to a place where we stop and contemplate who we are and how our actions fit in and effect the puzzle, at least that's how I'm beginning to observe it.

Here's an example for you. One of the "enemies" in my life currently is my father. Sometimes he annoys me like crazy, but I realize that as much as I sometimes want to get away from him, I need to be close to him for me to grow (And yes, in a way for him to grow as well). Because I view my father as someone with a negative, "I'm such a victim" mentality, I keep myself in check to not develop a mindset similar to his. Because of the way he is, I've shaped myself to be, in my mind, stronger.

So that's where I'm going with all of this. Instead of trying to escape your "enemies" or take them down, stop and observe them and see how they play a part in teaching you something, and vice versa. Sometimes it's better to stick around. And who knows, maybe over time your "enemy" will become your friend. Then it'll be more enjoyable to keep them around!

On a side note, I just want to comment that I put quotes around the words enemy and enemies because sometimes the person or situation is not extreme enough to be considered a true enemy, or they're just a current situation's annoyance.

I pray all is well for all of you!

Ahomataquisen!