I've been noticing in the past threads, that so many of us, continually, beat ourselves up and live with alot of self-comdemnation.
We try to live up to the pre-conceived notions of, who family and friends tell us, we are.  And beat ourselves up for not being
able to do that.  I think it is time we all give ourselves a big pat on the back.  It takes alot of strength to live as our true
selves and deal, every day, with people that, try to make us something, that we are not.  So, I just wanted to send a big
pat on the back to all my brothers here ( and any sisters reading this.)  We are strong.  And, no one can direct our lives,
tell us who we are, who we are not, unless we give them the power to do so. 

Wanted to add to this post.  I also live in self-comdemnation.....beating myself up.  I'm not who my parents accept or want.  So, I
am not judging anyone for having a hard time.  I know for me, it helps, to remind myself, of how much strength it takes, to live
authentically.  And that is why I wanted to send this pat on the back to all of you. 

Very nice post and I completely agree.  We deserve all of the credit in the world. 

It's not all doom and gloom.  We are strong enough to make a positive change in our lives. 

That puts us above a good deal of the rest of the population.  Sure we bitch and moan but instead of falling into despair we are working to rise above. 

+1 to both posts We have to work a lot harder for something everyone else takes for granted, and it feels so good when we get there. Sure, the journey to that place is long and hard, and it does get despairing sometimes, but it's not without its reward

PS: Is it me, or is the forum a little borked? The text box for instance goes right off the page - good job I can type blind...

A little borked here too, also the Reputation viewing clicker is switched off.

Thanks for writing this.  You're right, and it really helped me to hear it.

You're absolutely right. I think we deserve more credit than we often give ourselves. We face so many trials every day, even just the little things, but we're all working to get past it, no matter what other people say.

So I agree, good work everyone, you're doing great!