Sharing Sunday:10 Reasons Why I’m Not Qualified To Judge Anyone

In no particular order:

I am not a judge.

No matter how great I look in a black robe and wig, I am not a judge. If I want to judge others with impunity, I will need to spend a minimum of 7 years in a proper law school, and gain experience presiding over trials. Since I have not done that, I can’t judge.

I am not perfect.

I am full of flaws. I have a lot of good qualities, but my flaws and lack of experience disqualify me from correctly judging another person.

I watch questionable TV shows.

Think about it: would you, in good conscience, trust anyone who watches The Real Housewives of Wherever, to make an accurate judgment regarding your choices? I didn’t think so.

I’m biased.

I have a unique view of the world that is based upon my upbringing, my experiences, my beliefs, and many other factors. How I view the world shapes my opinions, and I cannot always be trusted to be objective.

I don’t have the right to judge anyone.

The ability to judge another person is not a right. Judging another person is a privilege and is granted to a person who has been authorized, by a governing body to do so. That ain’t me.

Because. Who asked for my opinion, anyway?

My opinions are important to me. My right to have opinions is important to me. I am thankful to be allowed to express my opinions. However, if I’m honest, I have to admit that not a single person asked me for them. The fact that I have opinions does not give me the right to express them (particularly in regard to other people) without considering what the consequences may be.

No, seriously. Who asked me?

The assertion that an opinion cannot be wrong is false. An opinion is wrong when it is clouded by ulterior motives. An opinion is wrong when its foundation is built on erroneous information. An opinion is wrong when it exposes a clear bias. An opinion is wrong when it is based more on my personal feelings than it is on the facts. All of these may or may not be at play when I express an opinion, so I should keep some of them to myself.

I don’t know everything.

Sometimes my judgments are based on hearsay, misinformation, and ignorance. I can’t make a completely informed judgment without knowledge of all of the facts. I will not pay attention to the facts if I am standing in judgment of someone. If I don’t know it all, I can’t judge it all.

I am not God.

Obviously. I should have started with this one.

Bonus reason: I am a Christian, and while we do judgmental better than anyone else, I’d rather live a judgment-free life, than risk drawing the ire of God.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”  (Luke 6:37 NLT)

Peace,

Erin

Sharing Saturday:How To Be Confident

I know a person can’t learn to be confident by reading one woman’s random blog. On the other hand, I know what I’m talking about because I used to be cripplingly insecure, anxious, and depressed. Emphasis on the words “used to be”. Turning 30 was the catalyst for my long, difficult journey toward getting over my own self.

It wasn’t the easiest thing to do. I had to go through a lot of rejection and uncertainty before I got to the point where I actually liked the person I am, but I at least I got there. It was ugly and uncomfortable, but I made it through with my sanity (mostly) intact. So in an effort to pass the blessing along here are the ways, I, a smart-mouthed, spoiled princess, gained enough confidence to be myself.

1. Don’t place your confidence in something you may lose.

(A brilliant man, C.S. Lewis) When I was a kid, I wasn’t confident about much. I knew I could run. I knew I was smart, and I knew I had an excellent memory. Life isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s not about being the prettiest, or the most esteemed. It’s about being the best person you can be and contributing more to the world than you take from it. I had to learn that, when I die, my legacy won’t be how superficially kind I was to others. It won’t be how cute I am, or how smart. If I lived to be 80, and had nothing to show for it other than a handful of people remembering how smart I was, I will have wasted my life. I’d prefer to be remembered for how many people I helped. How I was encouraging, and giving, and respectful. That will mean more to me than being known as “the one with all the answers”.

2. If you are depressed, do whatever you can to get help.

Let me qualify that: do whatever you can that is not harmful to you or anyone else. If you have to take a pill to be stable, take a pill. Xanax, Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro, were created for a reason, and if you need them to prevent your brain from turning on itself, don’t be ashamed. If exercise makes you happy, then exercise. If believing in God makes you happy, believe in Him. Pray. Meditate. Read the Bible, and go to church. A famous philosopher once called religion, ‘the opiate of the masses’. Well, last time I checked, Sir High Horse, opiates helped to ease pain, and provided the persons involved aren’t trying to force you to ascribe to their beliefs *ahem*, having God in your life is positive. (I can attest to that) If talking to a therapist makes you happy, see a therapist. Talking to someone about your issues is sometimes the best way to work through them. If indulging in some retail therapy makes you happy, shop. Just make sure you have enough money to do it. Oh, and if putting other people down makes you happy, get a life. And a psychiatrist because you clearly have issues.

Depression may rob you of your energy sometimes, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life.

3. Stop Putting Yourself Down.

There are enough people in the world who are interested in putting you down, don’t make it easy on them by agreeing. Everyone has a mixture of great qualities and faults, so don’t feel too superior about your attributes, and don’t allow your faults to make you feel insecure. If you respect yourself, you will respect others, and others may respect you.  But don’t be too surprised if they don’t.

4. Don’t allow insults to effect who you are. 

In elementary school, I was told I was a nerd who thought I was better than everyone else. When I was in Jr High, a guy told me that I had a nice body, but my face ‘could use a little work’. When I was 24, I was told that I wouldn’t be as pretty if I were a fat girl (OK, what does that even mean?), and when I was 28, I was mocked because some people (most people?) thought I smelled bad. Now, all of these incidents were pretty insulting. I was suffering from anxiety at the time I heard the latter three, so I spent way too much time obsessing over what other people thought of me. (And developed social anxiety as a result)

At the age of 30, (which will be forever known as the year that my brain woke up) I concluded that, in spite of the fact that other people thought I was just a nice body with an ugly face, a Nerdy know-it-all, an only-pretty-because-I’m-skinny poser, and, worst of all, smelly, I was still me. I only get one chance to live this life, and I refuse to live it according to the labels other people give me. My mother believes that a person’s name is the first prophecy a person receives over his or her life. My names mean peace, and protector of mankind, so my lifetime mandate, is to fulfill the role of a peaceful protector. I can’t do that if I’m crying in my coffee because some mean broad called me ugly.

Besides, as a Christian, the only opinion of me that really matters is God’s (and my parents). Everyone who doesn’t like me can go sit in a corner.

5. Find something to be passionate about. 

Currently, I have three. I am passionate about my relationship with Jesus. I am passionate about reading and writing, and I am passionate about nail polish. (I know, random) Finding something to get excited about, takes the focus off of everything that is bothering you. I occasionally have days when I’m anxious, but one good prayer session is enough to calm me. When I speak, I sometimes fumble and ramble, but I write a lot easier. (I still ramble, but at least I reach an eventual point. Sometimes) Reading is a way for me to both escape the real world, and to be fully engaged in it. I enjoy non-fiction because it always reminds me that my life while flawed, is still good. And nail polish is pretty, and it makes my hands look nice. (What? They can’t all be deep.)

6. Find Your Purpose (and if that fails, find a purpose.)

I was 26 years old when I figured out my purpose. When I graduated from high school, I had delusions of grandeur. I would go to art college, take up photography, build a solid portfolio, and eventually become a National Geographic photographer. There was only one problem: I hated art college. I wasn’t a great photographer, and I had completely lost interest in ever working for National Geographic.

When I was 26, I received confirmation that my life wasn’t going to be average. I attended a church service in Toronto, when the pastor pulled me aside and said, “If you knew how important you were to the world, you wouldn’t have walked in here with your head down.” (That was back when I was insecure) He then told me that because I had received the unconditional love and support of my parents, I was supposed to share that with people who had never experienced it. He also told me that I would not be able to fade into the background any longer(I am always more comfortable in the background). Last year, I was reminded of the year I spent in  high school, training to be a peer counselor. I was sick during the last week of training, so I never got to finish. That didn’t prevent me from being the sounding board for any girl with an issue.

In three years of high school, I spoke words of encouragement to two rape victims, an anorexic, and a girl who was being abused by her boyfriend. Each time, these girls approached me first, and each time I somehow knew exactly what to say to comfort them. My year as a peer counselor, (15 years ago) helped prepare me for my future. (Heck, my Tumblr blog is about books, and my geeky fandoms, but I still get questions from followers about relationships occasionally)

Rev. Dr Creflo Dollar once said, “Whatever makes you the most angry you were born to change.” I figured out what that was in September of 2010. After a rash of shootings in my hometown, I felt completely helpless. I thought, If only these kids knew how valuable they are, they wouldn’t be trying to kill each other.

Insecure people aren’t inherently mean. They just don’t know what they are worth. If a person doesn’t know their value, that person will not value other people. If they don’t value other people, they can do things like use them, abuse them, and kill them, without giving it a second thought. The Bible says that people will grow more hard-hearted, hostile, and cruel as the years progress, but that doesn’t mean we have to sit idle and allow it to happen.

We can all do our part to create a more compassionate, and accepting society: one child at a time.

Now I know that I’m one of the people who is going to make that happen.

Well, I just rambled on for a good clip there, didn’t I? Since this post is already as long as a high school essay(1500+ words), I am going to post part 2 tomorrow.

Peace,

Erie

Off The Cuff Thursday:More Fun Than Farmville

Here’s what is on my mind today.

Luminosity. Since I am (slowly) approaching middle age, I decided to invest in some brain training, so I don’t lose my edge when I’m older. (Don’t judge me) The site Lumosity.com promises to improve your overall brain wellness and performance by giving your mind a workout via a series of games. The games test your mental speed, flexibility, problem solving, attention, and memory. I’ve only been playing for a few weeks, but according to my overall scores, I am best at games that involve memory (like, really good), attention (I’m focused, man), flexibility (being able to change gears quickly), and problem solving (Never underestimate my ability to figure stuff out). (Speed? Meh, but I’m improving) Mind you, anything that involves strict attention to details and memorization is right up my alley.

Nearly 28 years spent in introspective solitude has helped me learn how to focus on what I’m doing while simultaneously tuning out what is going on around me. This is a good thing because I don’t get distracted easily. On the other hand, I don’t always notice things that are kind of a big deal. I was waiting for my ride outside of a mall one day, iPod blaring, and nose in a book, when a shoplifter ran by me while being chased by the police. Apparently, it was a big commotion, but I had no idea because I was so absorbed in what I was reading. I didn’t even know what happened until a coworker asked me what happened when the police arrested the shoplifter. She saw more in the store than I did when I was only a few feet away.

I wouldn’t be a good double agent.

There’s strength in weakness. This past Tuesday, when I was preparing my “Talking About God” post, I had a revelation. When the people of Judah pointed out the weak, unguarded spots in the wall, Nehemiah sent reinforcements to protect them. If he ignored the weak spots, or pretended they were strong, he wouldn’t have been able to complete the wall. (What, with all the enemies he had) All of us are afraid to admit that we are weak. We don’t know it all. We will make mistakes. We are not perfect. (And that’s okay!) The only way to combat a weakness is to acknowledge its existence because if we refuse to take responsibility, ask questions, or admit when we’re wrong, or biased, we won’t be able to proceed.

God is telling me something. Every time I read my Bible, listen to the news, and talk to my friends, one message dominates: don’t give up. When I watch the news, there’s a feature on someone who faced opposition who was greater either in number or in strength–and won. My study time this week was all about Nehemiah, who trumped his opposition with faith and perseverance. All of my Christian facebook friends are posting about not settling for mediocrity, not compromising your ideals to be popular, maintaining a grateful heart, and standing up for what is right. People who don’t believe in God think we’re all nuts for believing that he communicates with us. (I think Lily Tomlin said it best: “Why is it that when we talk to God we’re said to be praying but when God talks to us we’re schizophrenic?” I’ve been wondering that myself)

Sometimes God’s way of communicating with you is by repeating messages he wants you to hear through various sources. This week, I’ve heard the “don’t give up” message in a book I was reading, in an email, and while listening to a pastor on TV. I will be a fighter until the day I die, but even we need encouragement.

Message received.

Bully Bait? There was a guy on the radio today who was talking about how he did an extensive study that proved some children were genetically predisposed to being the target of subtle or overt bullying. Yeah, it’s called being small, introverted, bookish, and non-athletic. An intensive study was not necessary.

Live Long and Prosper. Recently I listened to a documentary about the people who live in Blue Zones. There are entire regions known for having a higher-than-usual population of  male centenarians. From what I heard, the rules to living a long life are simple: 1. Eat well/healthy, 2. Exercise (most of the men were shepherds, and their wives were just as active), 3. Don’t take crap from anyone, 4.Be grateful, 5.Don’t get stressed, 6. Laugh, 7. Maintain ties with family and friends, 8. Believe in something.  9. Be resourceful. 10. Share.

Sounds easy enough.

Peace,

Erie

Sharing Saturday:What I Think About The News

 

A flood in Jakarta, Indonesia has killed at least 5 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Yet the top story on many news reports is either Lance Armstrong’s interview with Oprah, or that football guy who was either the victim of a cruel hoax or the perpetrator. I may have mentioned this multiple times on this blog, but our priorities are really strange. I know that the news doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, but in the grand scheme of things, a natural disaster that damages an entire city is more significant than the indiscretions of two athletes.

Speaking of which, it is sad to see a great, respected athlete go down in such an extraordinary fashion. I don’t believe that people are “punished” by God (or “the universe”) for wrongdoing, but I do believe that everything we do comes with a set of consequences–good and bad. Eventually, we all live with the after-effects of our decisions. Even elite athletes.

This is the last time I’m going to mention this topic on this blog (I hope). I watched part of Lance Armstrong’s interview with Oprah, and he doesn’t give off the appearance of contrition at all. It isn’t my job to gauge the inner-workings of a man’s heart, but I think, given the impact his lies have had on multiple peoples’ lives, that he would at least feign remorse.

However, I also think that a bit more grace has to be extended toward anyone in the public eye who makes a mistake. You and I have the benefit of screwing up in private, where we only have to answer to friends, family, and acquaintances. Actors, politicians, and pro athletes have to have their mistakes exposed to the public, where they will inevitably be scrutinized and ridiculed.

We expect these people, who are just as human as the rest of us, to be saintly paragons of virtue, and when they fall short, we chastise them for being what they are–human. No man or woman is meant to be held up and worshiped the way athletes and entertainers are, yet we do it all the time. We expect them to live up to our expectations of them with no room for error, and when they do fall–which they will–we descend upon them like vultures on an animal carcass, and pick at them until all that’s left are dry bones.

I am in no way condoning malfeasance by celebrities, but let’s be honest hearing about the failures and weaknesses of famous people does nothing to improve the quality of our lives. It’s sad because we’re the ones who have placed them on the pedestal to begin with, yet we’re just as eager to kick them once they’ve been knocked off of it.

This is indicative of the era we’re living in. I’m old enough to remember when there were separate entities for celebrity news  (Entertainment Tonight) and world news (Everything else). Today, they’re one and the same, with celebrity headlines being featured prominently on nightly newscasts. (You can also tell when a broadcaster is from the old school. They always look vaguely embarrassed to report on, say, the status of Kim K’s baby bump)

In the end, the networks are just giving us what we want, but I wonder, who decided we all wanted this, and why didn’t I get a vote?

I watch the news to keep me informed about the world I’m living in. I want to know it all (every ugly, strange part) because if something happens, I don’t want to be caught totally off-guard. If I sound preachy about this, well, it isn’t my intent. If I want to hear celebrity news, which I do, on occasion, I go to the places that specifically offer it, but when I watch the  ‘regular’ news, I want to hear about everything else. Every awful, depressing, uplifting, and hopeful thing.

There are more commonalities between us than there are differences, so in watching the news, I get a small window into how the people I share this planet with exist. Also? If I know how the rest of the world lives, I can help because I am aware of their needs, rather than focusing purely on my own.

As much as I’d like to live as though the world is my personal oyster, I have to acknowledge that my birth, and privileges that came along with it rendered me responsible for helping to care for everyone else–particularly those who aren’t blessed with the same rights and freedoms that I take for granted.  I watch the news because it is a reflection of real life. It’s informative, scary, worrying, disturbing, hopeful, happy, and peaceful in one slickly produced package, and I’d rather be prepared by knowing every depressing thing about the world, than ignorant.

Live well,

Erie

 

Ten Things I Resolve To Stop Doing This Year

1. Expecting everyone to be just like me. I am one of a kind, and so is everyone else. Last year, whenever someone expressed anger over something I didn’t think was important, I silently chastised them for being so weak and overemotional. As I learned more about my own biases, blind spots, and weaknesses, I figured out that it was unfair for me to judge someone based on my standards. Everyone is different, and I can’t expect anyone to live and behave exactly as I do.
2. Gossiping about situations that don’t involve me. Joyce Meyer once said, “You aren’t allowed to have an opinion where you don’t have responsibility”. I am assertive, so I consistently offer my unsolicited opinion to nearly everyone I meet. In reality, I just need to keep my big mouth shut because it’s none of my business. Really.
3. Settling for what’s convenient instead of taking a risk. If I had a dollar for every time I avoided something beneficial for me because it was outside of my comfort zone, I’d be a millionaire. It’s great to be comfortable, but I always learn more when I am forced outside of my comfort zone. To be honest, comfort is kind of overrated anyway.
4. Avoiding people that I don’t like. My way of adhering to the rule, “treat others the way you would like to be treated” is simple. If I don’t like someone, I don’t talk to them because I don’t want them to talk to me. This is unrealistic because there will always be someone that I don’t like (and even more who don’t like me) yet we all have to live together. I’ll work on being cordial instead.
5. Making snide remarks to hypersensitive people. I grew up in a family that uses ridicule to show affection, so I’m not bothered by insults. Occasionally, I forget that not everyone is referred to as “ugly” in a jocular way, and I’ll say something that I think is funny but ends up being hurtful to the person I’m speaking to. A month ago, I wrote about how some people can dish out snide remarks, but aren’t great at receiving them. In knowing this, I’ll remember not to crush their already fragile egos. (If you’re confident, however, prepare to meet your match!)
6. Neglecting my time with God. This is going to sound bizarre to anyone who isn’t a Christian, but here goes: time with God is important. It is important to pray. It is important to read and study my bible, and it is important to meditate. In 2012, I didn’t spend enough time doing most of those things, and I really feel as though I missed out by choosing to spend 2 hours on YouTube. That will change.
7. Whining about how tired I am when my fatigue is all my fault. If I were as tired as I claim, I wouldn’t stay up so late. Duh.
8. Wasting my money. I know, if it’s something you really want to buy, your money isn’t wasted. Well, I want to buy a $42 bottle of nail polish, just because it’s holographic, and it comes with a ring. There are several other things I can buy with $42. Like 60% of the things on my grocery list, or 4 shirts, or a goat and/or four chickens for a family in the third world. As much as I’d love to own said $42 bottle of nail polish, I’m going to save my money.
9. Making excuses. If I don’t have a good enough reason, I refuse to replace it with a lame excuse. Adulthood means greater accountability.
10. Taking things and people for granted. I am thankful for everything I have and for all of the people in my life because in their own way, they’re shaping me into the person I am meant to be. My life isn’t perfect, but it is good enough for me to celebrate.

Peace 🙂

Erie

Sharing Saturday: Wait…It’s Not Saturday

Just pretend that today is yesterday and that I didn’t spend my entire day lounging, reading, and playing Bejeweled, instead of fulfilling my obligation to write a blog post every day in December. Now I get to write two to make up for yesterday. See what happens when you shirk responsibility? You end up working twice as hard.

Learn from my mistakes, people.

This year has been one of self-discovery for me. I learned that once you overcome one set of challenges, three more rise to take the place of the old ones. Once you overcome those ones, more challenges appear. Basically, life is similar to a video game, in the sense that every year you can look forward to fighting a new dragon, or general, or army, but with every foe you defeat, you get that much closer to the castle. Or the princess. Or the treasure. Or whatever lies at the end of your journey.

Sometimes our foes are internal. For example, I have to fight every day to keep myself from retreating to anxiously worrying about everything. I lived with anxiety for so long, that when I finally experienced peace, I didn’t know what to do with it. Now, I know not to take it for granted because I could be easily slipping back to worry, where, believe it or not, I am more comfortable.

External enemies are a lot easier to conquer because they only have as much power as you allow them to. When you’re on the defensive, it may look like they’re stronger, (and they might be), but you’re the one who has the final say about how they make you feel. The truth is people will try to break you down for a variety of reasons, don’t make their job easy by helping them do it.

I also learned that, in getting to know myself better, I am more able to accept faults in other people. It’s easy to put someone else down when you think you’re infallible, but as soon as you recognize your own vulnerabilities and failings, you can extend mercy to the people in your life, rather than passing judgment. This was a lesson I had to learn several times because I was so focused on achieving efficiency in all areas of my life I didn’t take the time to see that people are not problems that need to be solved. (They’re people, and they need the same things that you do.)

Taking ownership of my behaviour was part of this. There were times when other people were at fault, but I also had to take responsibility for the role I played, and examine whether there was something I could have done differently. (Hint: There always was.)

If every year of your life has an overall theme, the theme of my 2012 was “Grow-up”.

I learned that I could maintain my childlike wonder and accept my adult responsibilities. I can be serious and businesslike, and enthusiastic and open. I learned how to be kind to people I didn’t like without being insincere, and I learned that my past mistakes or successes do not define who I am. (And they never will)

Most of all, I learned how hazardous it is to try to avoid all the tough stuff. Not only does it catch up with you, but it takes you much longer to get to where you want to be. I didn’t know it was possible to have a good attitude when going through adversity until I had to do it. I thought that the saying, “Good things come to those who wait” was just a tired cliché, until it happened to me.

Life will always give us circumstances we don’t expect and don’t think we deserve. But the test isn’t necessarily in what happens to us. It’s in how we handle what happens to us. Complaining may seem like an acceptable alternative, (and no one knows how to whine like me, the Princess :cool:), but when you make it your goal to live the best life you can, without coveting anyone else’s life, without complaining about what you don’t have, you will end up much better than you can even imagine.

Listen, life sucks sometimes, but there’s potential for greatness in every day.

Believe me, I’m not one to brag, but I kind of know from experience .

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6)

Be blessed everyone!

Erie 😀

Off The Cuff Thursday

Here’s what is on my mind today:

1. Every time I watch a show about dancing I feel the urge to get up and try my hand at it. My favourite dance-related shows are So You Think You Can Dance, and Breaking Pointe.
2. I have found that I forgive people a lot easier than I used to. When I was younger my main focus was on doing everything I could to seek vengeance. Nowadays I know that the best revenge is letting go of the resentment you feel and moving on with your life. Forgiveness isn’t about allowing people to get away with hurting you; it’s about freeing yourself from the bitterness and hatred that holding a grudge can create.
3. On that note: did you ever notice that when you’re angry at someone, everything they do is offensive?
4. In two weeks I have to pray in public for the first time. I know it’s not about me, but I am really excited about it.
5. Why do most right-wing Christian commentators sound so angry on TV? It is yet more evidence that modern-day Christianity has strayed from the source, and is now relying on something other than the word of God for guidance.
6. This may sound odd, but I think that having anxiety for so long has actually helped me handle stress better. I’m used to imagining the worst case scenario in every situation, so whenever the worst doesn’t happen (which is most of the time) I breathe a sigh of relief and move on.
7. I work as a shipper/receiver in a book store and I have notice an increase in the amount of romance type novels we’ve been getting thanks to the hype over the 50 Shades trilogy. Am I wrong for thinking this is strange?
8. Is 31 too old to be wearing hot pink running shoes? I’d like to buy some, but I don’t want to look like I’m trying to be young.
9. A friend sent me a link to the blog Rich Kids of Instagram. I immediately judged them all for being so self-indulgent and wasteful, and then I felt regretful because I know that in some ways I am just as wasteful as they are. I don’t have any right to judge how anyone else lives their life–or what they do with their money, and no one has the right to judge the way I live mine. We all have issues, but the way we deal with those issues will say more about us than any of the material things we accumulate.
10. Jumping around the kitchen with an 18 month-old is surprisingly fun.

 

Have a great Thursday 🙂

Erie

Off The Cuff Thursday

This is going to be a permanent feature on this blog because I get too anxious when I try to centre posts around specific things.  (And an anxious Erie is helpful to no one)

Today, and every Thursday, I am going to write whatever comes to my head–good, bad, or ugly. I’m going to warn you now that the grammar is probably going to be bad.

Oh wait…you already know that 😛

Anyway, this is what is on my mind today;

1. I recently finished a book called  The Reluctant Prophet  , and now I want to rescue some people. On a motorcycle.

2. I’m seriously considering getting a second job to a) pay for my education, b) earn enough money to support all the people I want to help, and c) add more nail polish to my collection. (Well, they couldn’t all be practical :P)

3. I think my personality makes it impossible for people to know me really well. My co-workers don’t know me at all–even the ones I’ve worked with for years, and my best friend is still finding out new things about me.

4. I’ve been dropping “truth bombs” (or random moments of constructive criticism) all week. My family and friends love it, my coworkers are not amused.

5. The more I see of the modern-day church, the more I think we’re missing the point. I am seeing a lot of attention being paid to what are considered big issues (i.e. gay marriage, abortion etc…) To me there is no bigger issue than poverty, because it has the ability to negatively affect multiple sectors of society. But somehow two men marrying each other is more of a threat than poor and disenfranchised people with no options.

6. I’m not an outwardly cheerful person, but I’m joyful. Each day I wake up with something to look forward to, and I truly am enjoying my life.

7. Am I the only one who wishes the Olympics would go back to the old school athlete-against-athlete format? The “nation against nation” thing is a little stale.

8. I’m getting into strength training again because my goal is to be able to lift a 100 pound pallet without assistance. I can do it!

…and that’s all I can think of for now.

Have a great day!

Erie