Being Gentle Towards Ourselves and Others ........................12/5/11

I'll have you note that there's no human blood or skin tissue on these boots.

    Good evening everyone,

I'm re-posting what follows. I originally placed it in this inn on April 12th.  Nope, I'm not cheating. I simply believe
that tonight's subject is one that needs revisiting, often.

      I was with two groups of people tonight. Once at 5:30 p.m. and then at 7:15 p.m. I heard a college girl from Russia say something disturbing. She's attending a university in the Bay Area. She was fed up with herself. " I hate feeling like I'm failing everything," is what she actually said.

      I'm glad I've learned that perfectionism is a disease. I spoke up and shared I'm thankful I've learned how to be gentle towards myself. Doing so allows me to have an attitude of gratitude. This post came to mind and I hope you don't mind my re-sharing it with you.

     I'd love to know your thoughts and response.  The Innkeeper

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     Grace has been key for my serenity, mental and emotional health. Many tell us to use acceptance when we face difficulties.  Usually, we understand this to mean, having acceptance with resignation.  Like, "okay, I guess I have to accept my circumstances, there's nothing more I can do."

      I've found it better having acceptance with grace towards self and others. What good does it do, beating ourselves?  None.  When I'm gentle towards myself in areas where I want to improve, I'm more likely to succeed when dealing with those doggone areas. Kicking myself doesn't work.  Having grace towards annoying others benefits me, also.  It  prevents being shackled to them with the chain of resentment. Forgiveness is the bolt cutter that cuts the links that has me attached to them. It has been said,

"Forgiveness is not forgetting, it's letting go of the hurt."

    Now, I can wear cowboy boots. Yep, those pointed boots that Roy Rogers and the Duke----John Wayne---would wear in movies.  (Not that I would----give me wingtip shoes anytime.)  Back when I was in my teens, twenties and thirties, I wasn't emotionally ready to wear western footwear.  Then, if I had, I'd have dimples all over me from kicking myself.  Not so, now: I thankful I'm patient----with me!

Condemning my imperfections has never enhanced my appreciation of  life nor has it helped me to love myself more.

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       It is one thing knowing this fact in my head.  It's another to experience it resonating in my heart.

"It is never too late to start doing what is right." 

    Isn't it great that if we slip, it's okay?  It's one thing if our behavior is a snap shot. It's another if our vices are a video.

      I'm gentle towards myself, now.  How about you?  I could wear cowboy boots and not have bruises.

      We can pick ourselves up, using God's help, healthy alternatives and the support of good friends. We can live in a way that is healthy for us, mentally, spiritually and physically. Remember, we aren't alone.

      If we work at it, we can enjoy a community of friends and family who will support us. It will take work; it requires an investment of time, we'll also need character discernment, but it's worth the trouble.  

  My Gratitudes for Today:

1.  I'm grateful for grace.  Grace helps me be gentle towards myself.  It's something that comes from God.  When I receive grace from others it's because He's breathing through them. 

2.  I'm happy knowing God's forgiveness.  I'm in a loved position with God. Knowing His  forgiveness enables me to be gracious towards others and gentle towards myself. 

3.  I'm encouraged knowing that life is about enjoying the present moment.  Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here.  The only thing I can focus on is "right now" and the gifts of love, joy and peace that I experience today.

4. I'm thankful for the gifts and treasures I receive from God and others.  I'm grateful for the thoughtful, kind deeds I experience from others----I consider them as kisses from God that remind me that God sees me as valuable and lovable.

   The Guy from the Left Coast Coast, I look forward to reading your gratitudes.