It’s hard to imagine that it took me until now (actual years have been redacted) to learn about Dragons. I mean, I know what they are and what they look like, but I never understood why they were such violent destructive beasts, breathing fire all the time with such ferocious attitudes! Then one day I was watching a movie and learned that their fire breathing is due to their ravenous appetites. See…dragons eat ash. Who knew? (Not me, obviously.) So they go around burning everything in sight so they can feast on the ashes. And as is the case with most ‘real’ animals, the number one thing on their mind day after day is FOOD! (This also includes Homer Simpson and Doug Heffernan.) Their daily diet consists of something unavailable in its natural state; first they have to burn it, then dine. Besides being destructive gourmands, dragons are also known for being hoarders and very reclusive. So in other words, the environment they desire must first be created–usually at the expense of someone else.
My question is: How many PEOPLE do you know who also fit this description? They thrive on drama and stress, and when there is none, do their level best to create it. They feed on the by-product of scorched-earth conversations. While most people seek a tranquil relaxing day with little or no drama, these ‘dragon people” simply cannot handle serenity around them. In the presence of harmony, they act on their narcissism and do whatever necessary to create the chaos they crave. Sadly, these type of people do not just exist in movies (The Joker in Batman is an extreme example), but in many places–often in our own daily lives. Sure, that may really stink, but the thing we need to learn is how to respond to these people…or not respond.
Here’s what I learned from personal example about dealing with them–even though I wasn’t looking to learn anything. I was talking to someone who seemed to know all the things to say to make my blood boil. One night, I was literally seconds (or inches) away from a blowout! I couldn’t listen to another word they were saying. The more they talked, the more I boiled. I got up from the table and left. It wasn’t until the next day that I realized the reality of this situation: not the apparent attack or what they were saying or the digs they were planting, but the fact that this person simply liked to hear themselves talk! The more they talked, the more they convinced themselves about what they were saying… and it actually had very little to do with me at all.
Once I realized this, their meaningless, hollow words meant nothing to me. I didn’t even get agitated in the slightest! They needed to have chaos, and did their best to transform MY reality into their emotional playground. But I was not having it. Thank goodness, I got up and left when I did, or I would have reacted with a boatload of emotions–which is, my friend, the sure path to trouble. After I gained this new understanding of what the person was actually doing, their passionate diatribes became like the proverbial water off a duck’s back. It simply rolled right off of me, allowing me to now see the entire situation with a renewed sense of clarity.
Don’t get drawn into meaningless, fruitless unsubstantiated tirades with someone who may very well be passionate, but is only out to create an atmosphere of chaos. If you allow it, your emotions will go nuts and you run the risk of doing or saying something you may very well regret later. Remember: Reactions are based on emotions, while being proactive is based on wisdom, thought and logic. Dragons must destroy in order to survive–but you do NOT have to be a victim of their reality. Recognize and appreciate their idiotic position, and just smile while their flaming arrows roll down your back. Don’t give them ashes to eat…and they’ll have to create them elsewhere.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18