What Do YOU Think?

Stress began the day you learned your were expected to please other people. Parents wanted you to stay clean and quiet. Neighbors wanted you to be respectful and helpful. Teachers wanted you to be attentive and alert. Friends wanted you to share and hang out. Whenever you failed to do exactly what someone expected of you, you weren't good, or good enough. You were bad, weak or dumb. Unfortunately, we began to believe it. Giving in to the demands, day by day, we lost a little of ourselves and our understanding of the truth. The truth is that we are just fine, just the way we are! Perfect in our imperfection! Growing brighter and more brilliant each day, we can accept the truth of who we are. The next time we want to know who we are, what we are or if something is the right thing to do, let's not ask our neighbors - but look inward - and pay attention to the response!

Don't be afraid to look at your faults.

- Yoruba proverb

Even though we know there is always room for improvement, we tend to shy away from criticism. Our egos tell us we are being attacked and quite naturally we may want to strike back. In order to be whole, healthy beings, we need to know all there is to know about ourselves. Sometimes the information must come from others. This may mean admitting that we are not always right, and knowing it is okay to make a mistake. A mistake, an error, a poor choice, or bad decision does not equal "there is something wrong with me." It means we are on our way to being better. We do not make mistakes on the basis of race or color. We make them because we are human. When we acknowledge our errors and face up to our shortcomings, no one can use them against us. Let's NOT be afraid to admit when we are wrong.