A grateful thank you to all once again :)
Dear friend/beautiful birdy: what a poignant and empowering post. A very humble and appreciative thank you for your words.
I have read it multiple times, and it truly warmed my heart. The time, effort, insight and compassion that you put into your words, I notice and value.
Like Mandy, if you ever recall what you wanted to write initially, I would be all ears too. That being said, what you posted was absolutely brilliant anyway, dear friend ;)
You’re right, conversing with UB is a way of reconnecting with myself. As soon as I read some of his writing, especially the later posts, there was an instinctive recognition on my part...I think you and UB remind me of aspects of myself. Some overlap and some are different, but you’re both important :)
I’m sorry, “cracked pepper” made me laugh. Perhaps that was your intention. Either way, very clever ;)
I understand what you’re saying, and I’m truly fortunate to have your genuine acceptance of me. Always so encouraging, always so empowering and always so insightful...thank you, dear friend :)
But, here’s the proverbial but, i still get comments (even with my diluted self). So it makes me worry if people are already complaining about the watered down me, i don’t know how much they’ll be able to tolerate me at “full force.”
Backhanded compliments/passive aggressive comments e.g. “oh, don’t worry about her. She’s soooo good at everything. She’ll be fine.” I don’t show off or think that I’m “better than” (I’m not), I’m just being some weird, diluted version of me.
I know it’s not my “job” to make others feel comfortable. Intellectually, I understand this, but emotionally/socially, I’m not quite prepared...
But what I wanted to say most of all was thank you. Anyone who is able to be your friend is incredibly fortunate. You have so much to offer...more than you realise, dear friend. With love and affection xoxox
Lovely Mandy: what a powerful post. I love it! I like seeing a bit of spark in you. Then, again I’m a thunderstorm after all, so of course I would say that ;)
I’m actually, despite how it appears, okay with myself. I don’t love or hate myself. I just “am.” My issue is more about how I’m aware of my impact on others/how I might accidentally make others feel, which makes me hold back a lot...
Thank you for also encouraging me to be undiluted me. I don’t even 100% know who she is anymore, but I do catch glimpses of her here and there. Out of characters. Love and care xoxo