Hmmmm…….

How we perceive ourselves is critical in any interaction, self confidence is based on our perception of ourselves. There is a fine line between self confidence and arrogance. I have found that the ability to walk that line as if it were a tight rope is an effective way to maintain a gratifying amount of respect without alienating anyone, thus creating allies in any forum or given situation. Often being humble is a path to knowledge and enlightenment. A potential mentor is more likely to share highly valued information with someone able to remain confidant and humble at the same time. This ability assures the mentor feels respected, and not as though he is wasting his time on someone who won’t appreciate his willingness to share information that may have taken a great deal of time to accumulate. There is a path to closely guarded secrets, although winding and treacherous, it can be worth it! Manipulate is a word I tend to associate with objects rather than people. A lump of clay being manipulated into a vase, marble perhaps a sculpture. Create understanding and agreement=Manipulate, in human terms. Manipulate implies complete control and sometimes deceit. Ahhh…..controlled chaos. Often times the thinking human does not have to maintain complete control in order to insure a given outcome. So begins “The Dance”.