Dear Hillary ~
I strongly support you in what you've said. Your words resonate your heart and soul. The path you're on is noble and correct, and your words, feelings, and sentiments speak volumes. I suspect many of us have falsely believed that those who love Leonard will act righteously, according to how Leonard himself presumably acts toward others. Of course, we don't really know how rocky that path has been for himself. I've been accused [not so much anymore] of being too nice to others, to the point of sickening-sweet sanguineness. Saccharine. I still would rather err on the side of that, than uncalled-for harshness.
Even so, there are times when I've [although trying to stick to issue over personality] have expressed myself in ways that seemed to mow down the addressee in the process. Overall, I don't just initiate attacks on anyone, though I will generally respond to those levied on me. For me, coming from a loving perspective is what works best. It's what I feel most comfortable with. Some may find it unappealingly too 'easy,' but remembering that we have no idea who or what circumstances are on the other side of those typewritten words is crucial for me. It's too easy to blindside and be blindsided in these realms. Some can throw off those attacks, but others take them to heart. I'm not willing to be the one at the source of the latter. Being at home in my own skin, with these interactions, feels most true, honest, and ethical.
So, I try to just be me the best way I know how. I try to accept that I can't really change how anyone else chooses to relate. The only one I can truly hope to change is me, and even that can be a chore
. I speak out [as you have, though not so eloquently] from time to time; however, the perhaps most effective thing I feel I can do is just go forth and 'be me,' and if it sets an example for someone, all the better. What you've said does even more than that. It serves as a lesson from your own experience, and is supported by principles and reason. You've been able to share your perspective without sounding whiney or preachy. Your words seek the higher good. I hope there are some who may read and take them to heart.
With regard to the delineations of the people, I first interpreted it as being an approach to anti-trolling, giving upper-level status to those who don't do so. It included those who participated in the poetry competition we had here not long ago, so that seemed to be a part of it, too ~ those who participated being in the upper regions, and those who didn't but commented on it later, in the lower. Then, there seemed to be some who were just included ~ period, i.e. Joe Way [who didn't enter].
In my own fashion, I honestly feel everyone who comes here is a V.I.P. Not all of them remain. Some only read. Some contribute mightily while they're around. Others don't appeal to me personally, due to how they choose to relate. However, in the end, I've found them to be 'all a part of the mix.' This is the only site on the Internet that I'm committed to, and I keep finding multitudes of reasons why my commitment is so justified. Meeting people like you is one of them. I hope you'll continue to contribute in your gentle, loving, and understanding way. You bring a unique level of enlightenment to us, and to me personally.
These words [unlike your own] did not flow. I'm still quite tired, but I don't know if that's the reason for it. Thank you for your own, beautifully spoken lesson. Your friend, Karin, sounds very life-affirming and beautiful. You may live in a ghetto, Hillary, but your mindset is paradisiacal. Please continue to share yourself.
I
also love the wide variety of poetry that appears here, and respect the space from which it comes.
Love,
Lizzy
Why do I always forget this invaluable aspect of our human-ness? Does anyone here happen to have an mp3 recording of his laughter? You know, I've never heard Leonard laugh, and I think I would really, really like to...
~ that's a joke relating to the NYC Event]. In truth, I tend to speak more in snippets than complete sentences, much less paragraphs! Being "asked directly what I mean and dream and what I truly want for me" would create a problem for me, as well. [Generally, it's men who ask these type questions of us 