Everything and everybody we encounter in life shape us and influence us to a certain degree. In my case, the usual suspects apply - family, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances - as well as people whom I've only briefly interacted with or seen in the street. I've also been influenced by a myriad of experiences relating to home life, work, commuting, hobbies, vacations, and leisure time. Current affairs - local, regional, national, and global - have also shaped me during my fifty-odd years upon this earth. My acquisition of a religious faith during my later years has also had a profound influence upon me - a very positive influence. Physical health problems that have dogged me on and off since early childhood have also had a profound influence upon me - a very negative influence. However, there remains one elephant in the room: bullies.
