Re: Never Give Up!

Aharleygyrl,

I will disagree with your statement about what society expects. Who cares what society things? Who cares about what anybody thinks? YOU be happy. That's all. Your success is not measured on what society or what anybody else thinks. Your success is a personal thing.

Okay, for me. By society's standards then I would be unsuccessful. I work at home, live way out in the country, have four dogs and one cat. Two picked up within the last six months, one in the middle of the country and one at a gas station. I am alone most of the time. But my environment is comfortable for me. Surround yourself with things that you love. Kind of like feng shui, but my way. My social life includes working with kids and the elderly. Big whoop. Yet, I have never been happier in my life. I have attracted friends that are interested in the same things. I love my alone time, my work time, and when I am with people.

Now.... I am not the most perfect well adjusted person in the world as this may sound. I have come a long, long way.

In my 30's I was agoraphobic, full of fear, starved for love, and yes, oh so lonely. It took ten years of reconstructing myself to who I am now. And by this time, it's been way over 10 years. This included changing my diet as junk foods have a very big part in this. sugar, sweeteners, and even diet sodas are killers. Alcohol is the worst.

But most of all, it included changing me. It didn't happen overnight. There were many days of crying and feeling inferior. Little by little I learned to love myself for who I was. Agoraphobic, afraid to leave the house, suffering from panic attacks. That was me. And I loved me. Once I had the acceptance I moved on, sometimes in sheer terror. Anytime I had a negative thought, I replaced it with a positive thought. Ten years later I was a new person. And I built new habits. Oh, and I was alone. I have been on the other side of the spectrum. This is why when I see someone going through loneliness issues, when I see someone hurting, my heart goes out to them and I want to make everything allright. But it does take commitment and work.

You are a success when you perceive yourself to be a success. And I will tell you a secret. Oonce you perceive yourself to be a success, the world will see you as successful.

Hugs,
Luella Tweet