I attended this conference the past 3 days, she was inspirational, invigorating, down to earth, witty & funny. I have been a prisoner of my past, which has affected my present life, also. Through God, her message told me to quit being in bondage to the past mistakes in life,(i.e. growing up, divorce, criticism from others(which I don't take too weel at times, being bossed around, etc.) After all, I can't change the past, I can only change my outlook, & learn from my mistakes. I'm trying not to judge others, forgive others for the wrong, they have done to me, or vice versa, feel better about myself, less guilty. It is human nature, I find, to sometimes judge others, and the hardest is to forgive others. I know with God's help, he can help me to do that. I just have to not think so much about it, but go with my heartfelt conviction, that it will be better for me both physically & mentally to get past the past issues. You wind up stuck in a rut, not moving forward, thinking the same negative thoughts, etc. I'm not saying, that I won't be tempted to make mistakes, criticize, etc. I want to establish a better relations ship with God. He loves us all, and wants us to care about one another, and help us through the ups and downs, if we just have faith. He has been there for me, when no one else has been at some points in my life. Lately, I haven't been that great to live with, because of past issues, etc. I hope, to make a commitment to be a better example to others, as to what God wants me to be & do as a person, following in his footsteps. I don't understand alot of things, as any other person may or may not either about people in our lives, but we have to accept them, and not discard them. We need to accept each other for the assets and flaws, no one is perfect, except God & Jesus. We might not believe the same in our different religions, but does it do any good to tear each other down. I do believe in God's word. I hope, no one is offended just my thoughts on things, as I see them.

Your experience is a lesson for us all.

I too came to that turning point about three years ago. I had held onto so much baggage that was keeping me from being the person I wanted to be. Things that happenned to me almost thirteen years ago, and some later than that, was defining who I was. I was so unhappy. Then finally, like you, I had a light bulb moment and just DECIDED (key word) to let it go and move on. To make the decision to do that was so liberating and from that point on I simply didn't care anymore about the "petty" things that used to bother me and make me self conscious. Sure, I still have my moments where I can cut myself up one way and down the other because I don't feel 100% comfortable in my own skin, BUT I can now see some good qualities about myself too.

Having online friends is great for that. It's a way that an average shy and self conscious person has the opportunity to put themselves out there and not worry about how they are going to be judged, whether it be by their physical appearance, a disability, personality characterists...it just doesn't play a part. WHICH IS SO REFRESHING. We all have something positive to contribute to this world and because of the internet and the way it gives us the freedom to express ourselves without the critique and judgement. At least I hope it does for the majority ~ it does for me.

Thanks for sharing your story Pat. It is inspiring. I wish you well on your journey to peace within yourself!

((HUGS))

Thank you ladies for sharing. Your words and wisdom were both inspiring and encouraging. Letting go of the past can be very hard, but you can't see where you are going if you are always looking back.

Pat, your words struck me when you said we shouldn't tear each other down. Just the other day I felt convicted of that from long ago. I know I have been guilty of that on here and I am tremendously sorry to anyone that I may have hurt.

__________________
Formerly known as Mrs12bfishin

Again, a lesson for us all!

Pat-

You are close to being GodBreeze Central-
I needed Positivity and you have provided.
Thank You for Sharing.
rosemarie
P.S. Please let me know if there are any links.
sometimes A complete stranger will give the most honest critiques
without even knowing you.