Years ago, when I was asked for my favorite quote, I would reflexively say: “I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.” It’s Augusten Burroughs, author of Running with Scissors, from his book Magical Thinking: True Stories.
If only more and more of our leaders thought this way... A very good article. You know many of us were sold when you stood against the lockdowns so vocally, now you are just overselling us ;-)
Thank you for yet another wonderful article. I adore your honesty. I stand with you and admire your courage regarding lock downs, Covid, and the abuse in gymnastics in the 80's. Your articles are always a thing I look forward to.
Thank you for the fabulous post. It truly resonated with me... especially the holding a grudge part. Although sad... it's comforting to know I am not the only one who is finding it difficult to forgive and forget how horrible friends, family and colleagues were during the covid years.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE this: "I will stay angry and I might even try to get you back. Not in a vengeful way. But if it’s bad enough, I might write a book or something..." As a writer, I may steal that (with credit).
I am slightly older than you with the same flaws. I used to read the popular books too. I don't anymore. I started to feel like I have read enough books, and the books that are available are too woke for me. I don't relate.
I too read Running With Scissors. The author, Augusten Burroughs, kind of creeped me out a bit though. Another reason to stop reading books so much as I am honoring the author with my own precious now limited time on this Earth and it isn't worth it so much to me anymore. They aren't doing life any better than I do it, and if they are doing life better, they probably have the ability to hire help which I can't do. So phooey on them. I don't care why they think there life is fabulous or a mess. LOL
Your best qualities come out in the XX-XY ad I have coming on my feed recently. I make sure not to press "skip" for 2 reasons: I love seeing this girls and you. I see this ad more and the idiotic Biktarvy ads less.
I view my regrets so differently now, a little less hard on myself. It's good to carry righteous anger, in my view. Others have it too, and often we need validation in our normal reactions. A new trans widow contacted me to ask for my survey and be part of my data. Today she emailed again and indicated it's too fresh (this being her husband's sudden "transition") to tell the details. I got the sense that she's still under the same roof, which my data reveals as a dangerous place to be. I advised her of this, feeling that at 68 years old, with information on 64 of the women in my unique sisterhood, I need to give her this validation. Somehow reading this right after sending my reply was comforting.
How did the concept that giving constructive criticism, or offering help in emotional healing, could actually aid people with paraphilias, who are also usually victims of abuse, get transformed into ‘kink shaming’?
Will we let pedophilia become normalized by allowing terms like minor attracted person or adult attracted minor to be considered acceptable ways of defining adults and children?
How did pederasty become normalized in most Greek city states and Rome?
Children are attracted to adults for protection, guidance and support, not sex. To say otherwise is to rationalize abuse.
Is it regrettable that most pedophiles were also victimized? Obviously.
Does that justify allowing or condoning their abuse of a new generation?
Thanks for your honesty and courage, both in looking at yourself and the world. Today I linked to your company on X in connection with the story about the Slavin sisters in Riverside, CA
Thanks for sharing these thoughts! A great first read this morning. I especially like the quote you highlighted; it describes me to a T. I'm so grateful to have found the path to humility and faith. Now if I could just not hold grudges/resentments. A work in progress!
If only more and more of our leaders thought this way... A very good article. You know many of us were sold when you stood against the lockdowns so vocally, now you are just overselling us ;-)
ha!
You are competitive. An asset in life. Winners cross the finish line first.
Being a Type A is a personality plus.
I admire your courageous departure from Levi's and establishment of your own product line. Keep moving forward.
Thank you for yet another wonderful article. I adore your honesty. I stand with you and admire your courage regarding lock downs, Covid, and the abuse in gymnastics in the 80's. Your articles are always a thing I look forward to.
Thank you
Thank you for the fabulous post. It truly resonated with me... especially the holding a grudge part. Although sad... it's comforting to know I am not the only one who is finding it difficult to forgive and forget how horrible friends, family and colleagues were during the covid years.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE this: "I will stay angry and I might even try to get you back. Not in a vengeful way. But if it’s bad enough, I might write a book or something..." As a writer, I may steal that (with credit).
I am slightly older than you with the same flaws. I used to read the popular books too. I don't anymore. I started to feel like I have read enough books, and the books that are available are too woke for me. I don't relate.
I too read Running With Scissors. The author, Augusten Burroughs, kind of creeped me out a bit though. Another reason to stop reading books so much as I am honoring the author with my own precious now limited time on this Earth and it isn't worth it so much to me anymore. They aren't doing life any better than I do it, and if they are doing life better, they probably have the ability to hire help which I can't do. So phooey on them. I don't care why they think there life is fabulous or a mess. LOL
Anyways thanks for writing this.
Your best qualities come out in the XX-XY ad I have coming on my feed recently. I make sure not to press "skip" for 2 reasons: I love seeing this girls and you. I see this ad more and the idiotic Biktarvy ads less.
I view my regrets so differently now, a little less hard on myself. It's good to carry righteous anger, in my view. Others have it too, and often we need validation in our normal reactions. A new trans widow contacted me to ask for my survey and be part of my data. Today she emailed again and indicated it's too fresh (this being her husband's sudden "transition") to tell the details. I got the sense that she's still under the same roof, which my data reveals as a dangerous place to be. I advised her of this, feeling that at 68 years old, with information on 64 of the women in my unique sisterhood, I need to give her this validation. Somehow reading this right after sending my reply was comforting.
How did the concept that giving constructive criticism, or offering help in emotional healing, could actually aid people with paraphilias, who are also usually victims of abuse, get transformed into ‘kink shaming’?
Will we let pedophilia become normalized by allowing terms like minor attracted person or adult attracted minor to be considered acceptable ways of defining adults and children?
How did pederasty become normalized in most Greek city states and Rome?
Children are attracted to adults for protection, guidance and support, not sex. To say otherwise is to rationalize abuse.
Is it regrettable that most pedophiles were also victimized? Obviously.
Does that justify allowing or condoning their abuse of a new generation?
I enjoyed this article, and love the quote!
Thanks for your honesty and courage, both in looking at yourself and the world. Today I linked to your company on X in connection with the story about the Slavin sisters in Riverside, CA
https://x.com/LoriWeintz/status/1876314989122003220
Thanks for sharing these thoughts! A great first read this morning. I especially like the quote you highlighted; it describes me to a T. I'm so grateful to have found the path to humility and faith. Now if I could just not hold grudges/resentments. A work in progress!
Great post!
I happen to share your 1 , 3 & 6.
I'm in my early 70's.
These are not flaws, but traits that define your character.
Wear them proudly.
I love this post. Thanks for saying it!
I’m 62 (recently). It’s kind of startling really.
Your self evaluation has encouraged me to look at myself in a way I haven’t (or have avoided).
I don’t and won’t condemn myself but I do tend to overthink (my wife reminds me). That leads to over apologizing and that I am conscious of.
The Jury is still out….. 🤨