A big "aha" moment with my therapist was talking about my lack of self esteem. I said "My parents were very supportive. My mom tells me I'm perfect all the time." She said "Are you perfect?" "No." "So, you know that's not true. No reason to listen to something which is not true. How is that helpful to your understanding of yourself as you actually are?" DINGDINGDING

Yeah, buddy!

I'm a huge fan of reality. If it ain't workin', it ain't workin'...no matter what it looks like. You must go with the reality of the moment, period!

> at least set a time limit.

I love this too. I have a habit of having ugly arguments with people in my mind. Fortunately, I've gotten to the point where I will enjoy the recreation of it for 10 minutes and then get on with my day.

You don't have to give it up altogether, but it is helpful to know what it is really about.

I feel like the flammable court jester.

That just means you can speak truth to power. While on fire.

That just means you can speak truth to power. While on fire.

A powerful niche to have.

I like to think my parents' focus on my fallibility was a good thing for my emotional development.

Of course, now they're all "You're doing so well, considering!"

Uh, thanks?

Ahahaha, Vortex, that is one of my favorite songs.

smonster, I love your therapist too...except for the hideously bad thing.

Not bad, inept. And he's right! It's a long-standing pattern for me. He doesn't say stuff in a mean way, I barked with laughter when he made that comment. He's kind of like Clinton on What Not to Wear.

That just means you can speak truth to power. While on fire.

Just make sure you have a Holocaust Cloak.

That just means you can speak truth to power. While on fire.

Being on fire tends to get Power's attention too. Especially if you're close to them.

Ahahaha, Vortex, that is one of my favorite songs.

yes, I know ;)

Dear Mother, please do not bitch about how no one helps you, and when I say "we'll be there on Sunday, we'll do it", start making excuses why it can't be done.

when I say "we'll be there on Sunday, we'll do it"

Unless you get abducted by visiting Floridians. IJS

Laura, how far are you from Naples?

Naples is directly across state from me on the SW coast of Florida. It is near where my parents live. About 2 hours from Fort Lauderdale.