PSA

[penfield]

Apropos of nothing:

My friend Steve once told me, "Self-pity is a waste of time." And when he said it, he just let the phrase hang there, unencumbered by analysis or anecdote. It was a turning point for me.

Relationships are hard. The first few rows will get wet. And we should think long and hard about our relationships, not only because it gives them value but also because relationships are incessant. People are coming at you constantly, whether you're ready for them or not, and every encounter is an opportunity.

But in the aftermath, we should also be eager to forgive ourselves for being weak or stupid. It is, after all, the dual citizenship of humanity. Fortunately, with perspective comes wisdom -- and, if you're lucky, a sense of humor. If we can manage to forgive others at the same time, even better.

A person can be sorry without feeling sorry for themselves. I have been known to loiter in the past from time to time, first rifling through the garbage and then wondering why I stink. But then I hear Steve's voice, and now I'm letting it echo here for a while:

"Self-pity is a waste of time."

Comments

[enchanted-pants.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the correction. I am sort of grateful that you found the error before my mother did.