Good for you! You are valuable, everyone is, and don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise. Be yourself and who you want to be, and those that are bothered by it are the ones that don't matter anyway. You shouldn't bow to anyone. Just from reading about what you've gone through and how you've turned everything around has shown me that you are one strong woman!

~ty for you're comment and your encouragement. It's much needed.

Rikki, my dear,

You are special, valuable, important, and different from anyone in the world. There is only one YOU, and no one could take your place. Don't let anyone convince you any different. I am glad you are on Thoughts.com, and I know that many others feel the same way. Just give it time, and you will make many friends, no doubt about it. In the meantime, if you need to vent, do so. You will see some samples of my venting, here and there, even though by inclination, I am a very happy person. Please take care of yourself, and come back often. I look forward to knowing you better. Wanna be friends.

Hugs, sweet blessings ---------------------------------------------------- Shea

I have the feeling that I'm going to be real happy that we became friends :0)

Oops, my dear heart,

I already approved you as a friend. Thing is, I was half asleep when I did it, and therefore, it didn't register in my mind. Well, with all the excitement of my visit to Montana recently, not much seems to be registering. I am sure when I get back home, and start to settle down, I will remember lots of things that have slid by, and that I need to tend to.

Hugs ------------------------------------------------------- --- Shea

*giggles* I was half asleep when I sent you the request. I was reading your blogs, and was enjoying them so much that time flew by.Suddenly I was getting dizzy looking at the screen, so I thought.."I'd better friend her before I knock out." There's just something about you I really like ~hugs~

Wow, those sure are kind words, for sure. Thank you so much, and may I say, I am feeling the same way more and more, with each post and comment. Maybe, we are just "two of a kind" as the saying goes. Anyway, I am glad you are now a part of my life. I am truly happy you enjoyed reading my blogs, and couldn't tear yourself away - that is a neat thought.

Can't forget your hugs ----------------------------------------- Shea

Well, other people's opinions do count; we'd be pretty thoughtless, inconsiderate people who had no means by which to grow as individuals if they did not. It is the iron of other people's opinions that sharpens the iron of our own character and, thus, helps us to mature as individuals.  The problem comes when we permit the malicious opinions of those who despise us to shape our sense of who we are, rather than listening to the voices of those who love and care about us. This is especially difficult when the malicious individuals are people we love and care about.

Thank you very much for this..Yes! I agree totally.
" we'd be pretty thoughtless, inconsiderate people who had no means by which to grow as individuals if they did not. It is the iron of other people's opinions that sharpens the iron of our own character and, thus, helps us to mature as individuals."
I am very good with constructive critisim. I respect a person who can provide me with some growth or show me where I screw up, but in a loving way.
I used to have a problem with believing the malicious individuals tho, instead of adhereing to what the good folks had to say. I don't know why it's so easy to believe something bad about myself vs something positive. Even if i get a revelation about good or bad critisim.. I still struggle with what I allow myself to take inward..hmm it's a work in progress I guess.

I believe we are all valuable here no
matter what race creed or religion.
the truth is we all have something
to say and collectively we should all
see the meaning of why we love
this great site
be well hugs
regards fraglerock