I once had a friend explain her culture by referencing the "crabs in the bucket mentality." I had never heard of this at the time. Since I heard of the story, I have become keenly aware that this sad phenomenon does indeed exist.

Learn about it here and ways to overcome it.

We are the sum of the five people we surround ourselves with. We often can't change those trying to pull us under, but we can unpack our survival skills. Mine happens to start and end with my faith. It allows me to have my best friend, Jesus, who gave me an advocate, the Spirit of Truth, who walks with me and talks with me.

 If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 14:15-21 

It is good to bear one another's burdens. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

It is also very good to share another's joy and success. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This is God's directive for everyone. If he sets this in place, we certainly do not want to be the ones to break the goodness, the success of another. Yes, there are "circumstances," but this is another lesson. Today, I am seeking encouraging spirits to be mentors to others. 

The botanical name of the genus Narcissus is often said to derive from the classical tale of Narcissus, who was blessed with eternal beauty. ... The drooping of the daffodil symbolizes the image of Narcissus bowing his head to admire his image in the lake. They say the center of the daffodil is a cup filled with his tears.

The Daffodil is beautiful, but not alone. It must have our eyes to recognize the beauty God gave it.