Mike "Pops" Klumpp

1. Face life as it is, not as you wish it was or want it to be
2. Get rid of all negatives

In the paradigm of gaining control of your life so that it is not in the control of circumstance or the whims of others, adding to the ability to be unstuck and hopeful, the first step is recognizing things as they truly are. Once this has been done, we can clearly see what is adding to our pain or what is adding to our gain. With this clarity, we go to step 2.

Step 2 is to get rid of all negatives. If something in your life leans into your destruction, get rid of it. Mercy to one’s enemies is cruelty to one’s self.

This step is imperative and often more difficult than is first perceived. If something is harmful, why shouldn’t it go? But some of the negatives feel so good and give us a false sense of security within our pain.

Music? There is a distinct pattern with the music I listen too when “down”. I listen to music that affirms my mood or my anger. Same with even the comedy channel on my radio. Angry? Well listen to these comedians rant. It is all a dumpster fire. News? Oh my, if it isn’t important to my immediate setting, do I really need to be outraged that Ja’Marr Chase didn’t receive enough playing time? When I am angry and unpleasant, I do not need to feed the angry wolf. Yes, they make me feel affirmed. But they are leading me in the wrong direction. Out!

Friends? If a friend is a thief, are they really a friend? If they steal my peace of mind, if they fill me with anxiety, if it hurts to be with them, if they are shadow warriors for the things I need to remove from my life, are they worth the banner of “friendship”? I need to dismiss quietly those that are bringing me down.

With friends and family, we need to be careful to know what is negative and what is just “I don’t like what they say”. If they are offering tough love, maybe they are true friends and not just wolves in sheep’s clothing

This type of house cleaning need not be impulsive and driven by pure emotion. Just know that if it is negative, it goes.

Substance abuse. This is also tough. We medicate because we are hiding from the pain and depression. However, this black hole will never be filled with the soap suds of substance. Can’t do it alone? Face life as it is. Get help. If i looked at alcohol like a friend, I would see that my friend was a thief. He was robbing me blind from being able to face my real issues. Anger too was for me a coping drug. A response to the bullying of my youth where when I stood up and bit back, people backed off. But anger destroyed relationships by just wearing loved ones down. I knew they were safe. They didn’t. I got into counseling to find the source of my anger. I learned the triggers. I developed happy habits. I am no longer an angry man.

Remember, this is about getting unstuck and hopeful in order to reclaim some control and joy in your life. Get Rid of ALL Negatives. I won’t always be easy and it might take some long term maintenance. However, the sooner you start, the sooner you heal.

Maybe Pops can help guide you. I don’t have all the answers, but I can help you find them. Maybe you want to bring Pops to speak at your church, school, business conference, teaching in service? Contact me at goaskpops@gmail.com . Together we can get beyond the barriers.

Thanks for reading!