Don’t cast your pearls before swine

Imagine a situation where you care about someone. You see so much potential in them, but they’re lost in life. It could be a friend or family anyone going through a rough time. You know that if they just stop doing certain things and try something new, their whole life could turn around. But here’s the kicker—they don’t listen to your advice or appreciate your help. It’s frustrating, right? You’re left wondering why they won’t just change and make their life better. As an emotional creature one of the hardest things you can experience is watching someone you love suffering in life and refuse to take your help, change their life.

I recently came across this short video by Dr. Jordan Peterson. He said something that hit home: “Don’t cast pearls before swine.” It means if your help isn’t wanted, it’s better to stop trying. You might be wasting your time or even making things worse. If they don’t want what you’re offering, maybe it’s time to offer it somewhere else. Sometimes people are so lost that you can’t find them, and in such cases, the best you can do is to get your own life together and show an alternative way of being.

The harsh reality is, that everyone is wired differently. People’s ability to change and see things in a new light varies. Changing others is tricky, you can’t change anyone, You can only show them, and it’s up to them if they want to change or not. It’s like leading a horse to water but not being able to make it drink. Remember, you’ve got one shot at life, and it’s too short to waste your precious energy and time to help someone unable and incapable of appreciating what you have to offer. There are moments when you have to step back, even if it’s someone close like family or friends. You’re not obligated to sink with someone who’s dragging you down. Think of it like the lifeguard rule – you save them, but they can’t drown you in the process. It’s wisdom, not cruelty.

So, maybe it’s time to take a look at your own life. Are you spending too much time and energy on someone who’s not accepting or valuing it? It might be the time to step back and focus on yourself for a change.