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Do you have the ability to make wise decisions that will lead to success?
If so, you must possess discernment.
Strawberry Hearts Forever!
The above strawberry is real, not photoshopped.
I found it in my box of strawberries some months ago and of course I just had to memorialise it!
Unfortunately I can’t show you the strawberry in real life as it has long since been digested.😄
There are probably other ways though that you can tell whether a picture is photoshopped or the real deal.
The Red-Lipped Batfish Is For Real!
Now take a look at this red-lipped batfish.
Does it look authentic to you?
I had this picture on the wall by my desk at a previous work place.
Someone thought it was a photoshop.
It’s not!
Look up “red-lipped batfish“.
You will see: “A bizarre creature endemic to Galapagos, the red-lipped batfish walks instead of swims and looks as though it is ready for a night on the town.”
Discernment For What Is Real
How many things look real but are not?
How many things look fake but are not? Have you ever mistaken salt for sugar?
Got a tin of something from the shops you didn’t want because the label looked familiar?
Have you ever been scammed? Taken for a ride? Misled? Plain lied to?
So how DO you know if someone is telling you the truth or not?
Well, sometimes it’s difficult. Many times it pays to take a little time to investigate for yourself.
Do a Miss Marple or Columbo and ask questions.
If things don’t seem to add up then it’s probably because porkies are involved.
Is It A Scam?!
Yes, I have been scammed in the past.
If you have too you will know it’s not nice.
Apart from the trauma of it all, you’re left feeling kind of embarrassed that you could actually be that stupid?
Once bitten, twice shy…
This is why I don’t always take things at face value and I don’t always believe what I’m told.
My radar is always up. My discernment is high!
Not Everyone Tells The Truth!
Oh how we want to believe that everyone tells the truth, especially people who have some kind of authority!
Sooner or later we learn that they don’t!
It’s not that I don’t trust anyone at all. I actually do. However, I am always careful!
People with only their own best interests in mind, who care nothing for yours will sweet talk you and make it seem like they’re trying to help you or they’ve got your back.
They’re hardly going to say, “I’m going to rip you off left, right and centre.” You know, wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Never Set Yourself On Fire To Keep Other People Warm!
Smooth talkers operate in “Stockholme Syndrome” mode.
They depend on their victims developing a psychological bond with them so that they are willing captives.
They will either manipulate their victims into feeling sorry for them or make things seem as though they are actually doing you harm for your own good.
It’s the oldest trick in the book actually and was originally used by the enemy in the Garden of Eden.
Anyone attempting to reason with the victims is then seen as the villain.
The more the other person tries to lead the victims to freedom the more the victims dig in their heels.
Develop Critical Thinking
Yes, indoctrination is real. It’s how cults operate.
This is why we need to guard our hearts and minds and practice critical thinking.
If someone comes with contrary information to what we believe then our natural first reaction is to reject that information.
We don’t want to be wrong or at least admit to being wrong.
Ask yourself though, what does that person have to gain by giving you alternative viewpoints?
If you spot some kind of self-interest there then yes, be wary. But if there really is nothing in it for them, at least consider what they have to say.
Nothing But The Truth
Always weigh the facts without prejudice.
The aim is to do ourselves a favour. Let’s make informed decisions. We want only the truth.
Remember, in separating fact from fiction, if something doesn’t make sense it’s because it’s usually not true.
Don’t try to kid yourself that it MUST be true because of XYZ but in reality it’s totally illogical.
Wanting something to be true or correct won’t make it so. Let’s be real and honest with ourselves.
Why would we want to believe lies after all?
That will never end well.
If In Doubt Do Nowt!
You might have heard the saying that if something doesn’t seem right, even if you just have a gut feeling to go on, to trust your instincts.
How many times have we “gone against our better judgment” and regretted it? Why do we do this?
Whatever you do, DO NOT part with your hard-earned cash until you can verify that that the one receiving it is absolutely legitimate.
They may well be, but if you don’t have any evidence don’t just take their word for it!
Take Time To Cool Off
Why do so many companies provide “cooling off” periods after you make a purchase?
Because after the initial excitement of getting that widget you may just realise that you don’t really want it or need it after all.
It’s wonderful when we get a chance to change our minds.
Think very carefully before sending away money where you can’t change your mind and get it back.
Is there a guarantee? Are you sure it will be honoured?
Are you sending money to someone you met online who you really don’t know from a hole in the wall?
Continual Due Diligence
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world was full of authentic, honest, truthful, well-meaning people?
Well it’s not!
Do your due diligence and make sure you don’t fall prey to foul play.
So do YOU have discernment?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
