Shadow self

I recently saw a post from a friend of a friend, about only surrounding themselves with positive people. And it made me wonder how many people out there gloss over the negative aspect of life. If you are only surrounded by positive people, what happens when a negative person strolls along. 

Do you run and hide, peering out from behind your floral curtains.

There is some suggestion about positive re-inforcement of the self, but if you think 20 thoughts, 19 of them positive and forced, when the single negative thought comes in, that is where the concentration goes.
I think it is far better to accept and learn from the shadow self, to embrace rather than deflect.
There are times where you still have to remove yourself from negative situations, but most can be weathered, with a little mental fortitude.

Last day of holidays.

As I spend the last few hours of my measly 2 week break from work, I am pondering the benefits of indulging in a few goodbye, it's been nice spending time away beers.  Sure I may start the 'official' first day back at work hungover and irritable, but then I wonder how many people are 'up' on their first day back to the coal face.  I guess my mind is made up, and like the mindfulness gong ringing out, the crack from a beer can opening reminds me to savour the taste of this beer and enjoy the simple sounds associated with drinking it.  The world gently drifts on by......