Influence, influencer, influencee – a variation of this word is thrown around like my clothes when I’m trying to find something to wear. Our souls can only digest so much before a shift starts to happen. That shift could be our attitude. Personality. Wardrobe. Who we surround ourselves with. Influence, which could also resonate with the word influx, can be a good or bad thing. In today’s society, bad seems to overrule the good. What/who we aspire to be is a question we should always ask. The desire to impress our friends with the latest trends can lead to debt, loneliness, self-deprivation and so on.
Think about the music you listen to or the movies that you watch – both are powerful influences. Your mind is consuming scene after scene with distorted and intentional messages. While your brain is a strong muscle, it’s also sensitive to imagery and sound. Your spirit is also like this. Have you ever had a heavy feeling engulfing you as you watch a certain movie? Did it feel overwhelming to the point where you needed to shut it off or leave the movie theater? I know I have. It feels like a rock, weighing heavily on the mind.
Anything has the possibility of influencing a person who doesn’t want to be influenced. There’s always a choice. The thing about free will is that you have the freedom to choose: a road full of dangerous ideologies or a path to a strong, healthy foundation full of peace. The source of influence can impact both.