“One does not burn a blanket to get rid of a flea.”

“One does not burn a blanket to get rid of a flea.”
 
I had a whole rant prepared but after seeing this quote I decided to use it as my theme for this blog instead.

I'm taking a moment to address something that is affecting me personally and that i know is going on elsewhere for many people. I know this simply because this kind of thing happens all the time between us so-called civilized, mature and sensible people.
Relationships. Friendships, siblings, family.
Human interactions are one of the most difficult things in this world to understand. So many factors, influences, personalities and feelings. Relationships are a lot of work to maintain. We don't always get it right but sometimes we do and those are the ones that should be considered a blanket.
If you don't "get" the quote its message is quite simple... Even if something has some issues, why discard something useful when you can take steps to make it useful once again?
Do you get that? Can you rationalize and personally interpret that message to apply to your life? Is there not some blanket out there that rather than burning it and being done with it, is worth keeping by just working to wash the fleas away?
Maybe it takes changing or adjusting your view. Maybe it takes accepting another's view even if you dont agree with it. Maybe it takes just letting go of things that dont matter. Maybe it takes putting your needs aside to help one who's needs are greater. Maybe it takes accepting responsibility for your own actions. Maybe it takes just saying i'm sorry. I could go on but i think you get the picture.
I have my own blankets that need mending, we all do. Part of being a mature, rational and responsible adult means being able to sort out the blankets and recognize which ones are worth keeping, which ones need some work and which are beyond repair and need to be let go of.

The blanket my brother and I have shared is just about tattered to shreds. I am sad about that, this is my brother but I recognize that its not just MY blanket, its OURS and as much as i have tried, i cant stitch it if he's not holding the other end. 
 Of course not every situation is the same, not all circumstances are the same, no two blankets are alike. Sometimes both sides truly value the blanket, all it takes is for one side to lay down the first stitch.
We need to let go of negativity, let go of hate, let go of harmful pride, let go of self-importance, let go of everything and anything that keeps you from being able to grab that needle and thread and start that first stitch. Look at what great blankets you have, maintain them, treasure them, mend them. Those are ones you keep close when the world is cold.


“The real test of a mans maturity is his ability to make wise adjustments to painful realities.”