One of my greatest faults is that I value myself as others perceive me to be and not as I am indeed. If admission is half the battle, this fight should have been over a long time ago. I'm prone to let others' opinion of me influence how I feel about myself. This is a very bad way to live.
As you can imagine this post was prompted some things that have happened lately. Frankly, I'm quite fed up with allowing the few unfounded insults and criticisms influence my emotional state. I'm a happy person who is content with life, yea even excited about life. So, why do these frankly insignificant people have such a profound effect on me. I sometimes want to go screaming from the room, shouting to the world that I am not a bad person. If I've ever offended anyone it certainly wasn't intentional. And these people should know that. They know me well enough by now to know that quite certainly.
Basically, I'm just not flippant enough. I was taught to evaluate criticism as objectively as possible, for therein is the mark of a strong and secure man who is humble enough to recognize his mistakes. Well, frankly, dear wise person, I think even that virtue can be carried out to a fault.
If I appear strong, it's because I am confident. Behind all that strength, is a person who sincerely wants to be everything he can be and who wants to be friends with everyone. I've come to the conclusion, not everyone can reconcile strength and humility in another person, and that must be what has them so bothered.
But tonight, I'm just fed up with it. I am who I am. I do what I do. And I'm very proud to say that I have no regrets. My intentions are pure and my ideals are sound.
 I only wish I could make this grieved feeling go away.
(Better read fast. This post might not survive the evening!)