Hi Everyone,
I can totally relate to each and every one of you. I was agoraphobic and lived in a panic attack for 21 years of my life, and of course, depression accompanies all of this...
I have to honestly say that I was not envious of the material possessions of others... I just wanted to be feel normal...I did not feel like I fit in with society (a misfit) you might say....
I am now 46 and can say since upon completion of the program nearly 6 years ago; I feel much more confident and know how to do things that make me feel better. I know longer sit around and obsess over who is the happiest...I firmly believe that everyone has problems in this life, and that the smile can sometimes just be a mask for the internal fears, hurts and pain...
As for those who concern themselves with the material possessions of others...Remember the wealthiest people in this life are often the most miserable. Haven't you heard of all the suicides among the wealthy???
I am a firm believer that it is the simple things in life (the free things) that make one the happiest...The beauty of God's creation...Sitting beside a waterfall...Observing nature...Watching as a bird builds its nest...
Acceptance is the key to building your self-esteem...Accept who you are...Know that you are very unique, and that you are created in the image of God. If you have difficulty knowing who you really are...I suggest you write yourself a compassionate love letter listing all your good qualities. The type of love letter you would write to a dear friend, or a child whom you love dearly...Make sure you begin your letter with Dear..then you name...
This is getting to know the real you....
And as far as appearances go...Remember that true beauty lies within. As we age, we lose our youthful look, and there is just no way to change that simple fact...We have to learn to love ourselves for who we are...A good thing to remember is that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...Just because you think someone is beautiful doesn't mean that others have that same view of that person....
Personally, I become much more attached to the poor and the not so great looking people, or at least, those who don't think they are...These are the greatest people in the world to be around...They are full of love and compassion...
They don't feel like they need to put on some type of show to impress others...These are the type whom I enjoy spending my time with....
I think our society today has everything backwards. They measure you by the way you look, the way you dress, the way you present yourselves and how much you own, or how much money you have...I think this is silly, and it doesn't amount to anything in the Lord's eyes...He sees the real you, and loves you unconditionally...If we sit around and focused on what others thought about us; we would be the most miserable people on the planet....
And, what does it matter what these people think anyhow???? Remember, thoughts are only thoughts...I am sure you have opinions of others, also, but, that doesn't seem to impact their lives...So, I would suggest you loosen up, and try your best to love yourself for who you are...There is not another person in this world just like you...You are very "unique"!!!