Love Yourself

I am no stranger to challenge, defeat and triumph.  At times, it’s cyclical, but I take it all in stride and, like the next person, I pray in earnest for positive outcomes, and I keep moving.  That’s key!

For some, my life looks a certain way.  Make no mistake, I don’t always have my shit together, but I know who I am and the one thing I have never lost sight of, and what I preach often and what I’ll continue to preach… Love thyself, first and foremost!

Love yourself enough to go that extra mile (powerful words, and my words of wisdom from lessons learned).   If you get anything from that statement allow it be this… Tomorrow is a new day, and anything is impossible, and if you need a God to get you to that next level, allow him/her to lead the way, but don’t shun, judge or belittle anyone who doesn’t subscribe to your faith, because yours is not the only one to lead the way.  I think your God would be totally cool with you thinking for yourself.  I absolutely believe in the power of prayer, but more than anything I just believe in the human spirit, and that’s good enough.

To the Facebook friend who feels threatened by my rhetoric, especially as it pertains to my causes, please don’t make threats to unfriend me – just do it!  My sister-in-law, a born again Christian, unfriended me.  She does that periodically.  I have tried to extend an olive branch to my family, but their Fundamentalist mentality doesn’t create the most cohesive environment for us to thrive, and I am cool with that, so cool!  It actually makes my life a whole lot easier because I have some of the best friends in the world and many of them are people of faith, go figure.  It must be said, to drop me because of religious convictions speaks volumes about your relationship with God.  You’re clearly not secure in your faith.

I don’t always agree with my friends, but I never allow one single topic to come between us, unless someone is being a complete ass, and that’s highly probable in this day and age.  A wise person always focuses on shared interests.

For those of you who take issue with my filling up your news feed with multiple posts, not my problem, but yours.  Learn how to access your Facebook controls, especially for your news feed.

I am not about popularity (that’s what my 20s was all about).  I am not looking to see how many friends I can garner.  As I often declare, My Facebook page is an extension of my blog, which is nothing more than a diary/journal.

I hope on some level many of you can relate to my stories, appreciate my views, and savor my wisdom, while reflecting on the concepts.  I hope you’ll appreciate my friendly and genuine interest in connecting with all people.  One of the great things about Facebook, I continue to meet awesome people from all over the world.  People who touch my life in ways you can’t imagine.

If I have an issue with anyone, I go right to the source.  I would never air my dirty laundry in public. That’s what email is for (hint, hint).

I concede, at times I can be heavy-handed, arrogant with my opinions, but that’s just me.  Take it or leave it, that’s your prerogative.  I am grateful for a healthy exchange of ideas, and I am always willing to admit when I am wrong.  It happens, more than you think.

Lastly, I am not a fan of voyeurs or people getting off on other people’s misery.   I loathe gossipmongers (diarrhea of the mouth is a deal breaker), and stalkers (I have my share).  I also have a few friends who shouldn’t be using Facebook because they simply lack the skills to mentally edit, and if you think I am talking about you… I am!

As much as I value myself, I value every person who’s drifted in and out of my life.  A few I continue to miss, and I am hopeful for their return.  I am appreciative of every journey traveled.  I went from an awkward, immature self-absorbed boy to a man who carries humanity in his heart, every day.  I am always hopeful, and you should be, too!  Cheers! – paerki