My Life Is Worth Living!

[rhubarbodendron]

That's a cool thought! I never looked at it this way (and I love the catalyst image).
That's what I like so much about the internet: as people come from many different countries, different age groups and different social, cultural and educational backgrounds, they see things from so many different angles. And by sharing their opinion they give everyone the chance to see things in a new light, question believes, traditions and stereotypes and form their own opinions.

It's a little like standing at the foot of a mountain: you see only a part of it. But when someone shows you a satellite picture of that mountain, you suddenly get to see a lot of new sides of it and you get an idea of how your mountain is connected to others.

 

[propita]

Glad to be of help.

 

[RJDiogenes]

I agree about the nurturing. I worked in Women's Health for 22 years, at St. Margaret's, St. Mary's and Boston Medical Center, and I dealt directly with a lot of patients from poor neighborhoods and terrible social situations. It was more than about just giving them access to medical care or temporary food and shelter-- it was also about showing them that there are good people who are willing to help others and that it's possible to have a better life than the one you are born into. Then, too, there were all the office interns and medical students and midwifery students who were in frequent need of support and comfort and encouragement. In helping in any small way to cultivate people, one hopes that the ripples will spread out and make the world a bit of a better place.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^RJ, it sounds like you worked in medical care with the same attitudes that I worked in corrections (and a couple other fields, but mostly corrections).

That's what I like so much about the internet: as people come from many different countries, different age groups and different social, cultural and educational backgrounds, they see things from so many different angles. And by sharing their opinion they give everyone the chance to see things in a new light, question believes, traditions and stereotypes and form their own opinions.

Exactly.

 

[RJDiogenes]

^^ Yeah, I like jobs where I get to help people. Now I'm in health insurance. It's nice to know we're making a contribution to the world.

 

[Kestra]

It doesn’t change how I was treated as a boy, but I feel less and less like it defines me. I can be what I want. And what I want first of all is to live, and to be myself. And embrace the people around me.

I’m sure all of this has seemed strangely childish....

Not childish at all. You're recognizing profound things that took many of us long past twenty-one to figure out. Give yourself a pat on the back -- or a toast -- for that.

I second that! Quite a few people still not realize it after a whole lifetime.

Also, this whole "you are nothing if you haven't achieved anything" is no universal rule. In my experience it's something typical American. Over here, we are less interested in people's financial or career advancements and more in their personal development. A good character is held in higher esteem than a large bank account.

Man I could really use an environment like that.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Give yourself a pat on the back -- or a toast -- for that.

But don't pat yourself on the back WITH toast. Or any grilled bread product.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Especially if you've already buttered it.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I love toast.