Wow! Got on my computer 10 minutes ago and found this beautiful 'speech' on Facebook. Written by one of my favorite actors: Richard Hatch. (Well, duh, it's not like the Welshman is going to say anything useful - shrug). I thought I'd share it, because the words are strong and touch on something so important to me.

( Nice.... )

Source: facebook post from Richard Hatch

Stop wasting time on 'background noise'. Look at what you waste your time on and try to interfere when things don't add any quality to your life.

16 Things I need to Stop Doing to myself - I should stop putting my own needs on the backburner.

The most painfull thing is losing myself in the process of loving someone else more than I love myself. And forgetting that I'm special too. There's nothing wrong with loving and caring, but I should help and love myself as well.

Question for this week:

Suppose dat you had a friend (male or female) that was in every way EXACTLY like you, what would be the thing that would annoy you in the long run about them?

Well, admit it, it is a good question...

I think... for today... my immediate thought would be... my apparent indifference... It's not that I AM indifferent, but I know I can appear to be indifferent arrogant, non-caring,

Those who know me, know better, but for people who've just met me, it can be frustrating, I suppose. :D

SINCERITY

Openess, sincerity. It seems so easy, but talking and acting based on how you think, feel en want is not as easy as you would think. Yet, it can be done. If something bothers you, say something, honestly and respectfully.
Be sincerely, also to yourself. We always try to present ourselves as better than we are. Put down the mask, acknowledge your mistakes and peculiarities. Learn to accept yourself... 

ABSENCE OF VANITY

Can you see the beauty in faded flowers, dustthreads, old paint, your body getting older and changing? Can you hear a story told by someone else and not immediately try to get a better one? Absence of vanity gives space for connection, compassion and love.

( about serenity ).

16 Things I need to Stop Doing to myself - I should Stop holding grudges.

I shouldn't live my life with hate in my heart, because in the end I will only be hurting myself. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go!
Forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for me too. I must forgive myself too, move on and try to do better next time.

I'm good at holding grudges. Unfortunately... I mean, I'm still pissed off at CGL, a kid from my class, when I was 8 years old, because he pushed me down the stairs. I nearly clawed his eyes out,... And I still haven't forgiven him.... Luckily I can also forgive things ... I have.

But I've held more grudges over the last 7 years than ever before. I've been angry with my husband, my work, my colleagues, my parents, ... my life itself. I've resented everyone and myself with the exception of Iris. Forgiving others is, by now, no longer the hardest thing. I can see why I need to let go. And letting go has certainly helped me to get rid of a lot the stuff that was messing with my head.

But forgiving myself is harder. I should have done so many things differently. I should have made other choices. If only I hadn't... made the choices I made. Logically I know know that I can't go back on the choices I've made. I don't have a time-machine,.. but emotionally ... I  can't forgive myself.

16 Things I need to Stop Doing to myself - I must stop trying to hold on to the past.

I think that I'm already letting go of more and more. Not yet the great spring-cleaning, but I'm getting there.

If anyone is interested: This is from 30 things to stop doing to yourself