Feeding Trolls
Even if you don’t live in Narnia, Hobbiton, Middle Earth, or a Mother Goose fairy tale – there will never be a shortage of “trolls” in your life. They come in many shapes and forms, but their behavior is always the same. They predicatively peddle their unimaginative, inflammatory, and belittling cow fodder of an opinion as if it was something of value. They delight in our stumbling – as if somehow our failures justifies their own smallness of character, giving a sadistic meaning to their selfish, smallish little lives.
You know these trolls. Ironically most of us are aces at spotting them in the lives of others. But do you recognize the trolls that are in your life? Do they masquerade as coworkers, mentors, family members, or friends?
The acid test of trollness is this: does being in their presence instill in you an internal longing to stand taller, think bigger, and be stronger? If no, then beware of the troll. Do not feed it with your time, your attention, or your valuable resources that could and should be directed toward feeding the greatness that lies within you.
Do not feed the trolls. Starve the rascals out – they have no place at your table.
-JH
Do not feed the trolls