2006

Inspired by one of my favorite fellow bloggers and fellow flickrites, Hedy,

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’ve never done before?
Started a new career that uses all of my education, where I work with people I adore and admire, and which I hate to leave at the end of the day.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any last year. I will this year.

3. Did someone close to you give birth?
Not really “close” to me, per se, but my ex husband’s wife had a little baby girl, a sister for my Morgan, Fiona Katherine.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly, this is becoming all too familiar. My good, dear friend, Frank Teti, lost his battle with cancer this year. He was probably the absolutely most brilliant soul, and most inspiring educator, I have ever had the privilege to meet.

5. What countries did you visit?
I didn’t leave the US in 2006. I made a trip to Kansas though, that should count for something.

Oh, and the past, according to a book I love, the past is another country; I visited it every day this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Peace of mind, and serenity.

7. What date(s) from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 7, because of Frank

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Morgan and Mikaël ~ They’re my greatest achievement every year.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Myself ~ being too naïve, too sad, and too hopeful. Believing in fairy tales. Thinking every morning really does bring a new day. Believing it’s never too late. Being wrong.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, both, but nothing serious.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A 2006 Toyota Corolla XRS ~ a beautiful 6-speed manual transmission, despite the fact that she’s silver.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Galia’s.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John’s, as usual. He is the biggest regret of my entire life.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Surviving.

15. What did you get really, really excited about?
My wonderful job.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Suddenly I see

17. Compared to this time last year, are you
a. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner
b. Richer or poorer?
The same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending time with friends and family.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Hiding away and isolating myself from life and love.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Cleaning Morgan’s room

22. Who deleted question 21?
Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe Maddie ate it.

23. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Head over heels, yes

24. How many one-night stands?
None, that’s just not my style.

25. What was your favorite TV program?
It’s a tie: Dharma and Greg and I Love Lucy

26. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No

27. What was the best book you read?
The 5 People You Meet in Heaven

28. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I have to think on this one.

29. What did you want and get?
A new career

30. What did you want and not get?
A lot of things.

31. What was you favorite film of this year?
Walk the Line

32. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Nothing. 41.

33. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Security and peace, sharing and compassion…

34. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Conservative and comfortable

35. What kept you sane?
TV Land, writing, reading, Galia and Morgan

36. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?Jack Nicholson

37. What political issue stirred you the most?
Iraq, Lebanon, and Afghanistan

38. Who did you miss?
My Mom, Morgan, Mikaël, Frank, Michèle

39. Who was the best new person you met?
Mulit-way tie: Dominique, Ralph, Martha, Galia (although I’d officially met her before), Carl, Frank, Sief, and Luis

40. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
My voice is louder than those of the people who don’t believe.

41. Quote a lyric that sums up your year.
Her face is a map of the world
Is a map of the world
You can see she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl

Suddenly I see
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see
Why the hell it means so much to me

Another song whose lyrics I absolutely love ~ Far Away ~ Nickelback

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
One last chance for one last dance
Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving
Hold on to me and
never let me go

Beautiful lyrics ~ It Sure Was ~ Kris Kristofferson

I saw him singing this with Rita Coolidge on the Flip Wilson Show this morning, and thought the lyrics were lovely:

They said, "What do you think you would do
If she told you that she'd been untrue?"
I'd say, "I won't say I won't be sorry, no
It sure was love while it lasted."

They said, "How will you feel deep inside
When the love you believed in has died?"
I ain't sayin' it won't hurt me, no
It sure was love while it lasted

I'll be livin off of the good times
That you've given me to face
I have had my share of the sunshine
I can stand a little rain

So we don't give a damn what they say
We've got something they can't take away
'cause whatever comes tomorrow
It sure was love while it lasted

It sure was good while it lasted
It sure was love while it lasted

One more my boss just told me...

... If You're Not Nice to US, We'll Send You Some Democracy

Bush Bumper Stickers

Bush Bumper Stickers

Not written by me, unfortunately...

1/20/09: End of an Error
That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway
Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First
If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran
Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber.
If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President
Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet?
Impeachment: It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore
One Nation, Under Surveillance
They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It
Whose God Do You Kill For?
Jail to the Chief
No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade Iraq?
Bad President! No Banana.
We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language
We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them
Is It Vietnam Yet?
Bush Doesn't Care About White People, Either
Where Are We Going? And Why Are We In This Handbasket?
You Elected Him. You Deserve Him.
When Bush Took Office, Gas Was $1.46
The Republican Party: Our Bridge to the 11th Century
What Part of "Bush Lied" Don't You Understand?
One Nation Under Clod
2004: Embarrassed
2005: Horrified
2006: Terrified
At Least Nixon Resigned

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Since ancient times, a mid-winter celebration has been de rigueur acround the world. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia with relaxing, festivities, and the exchange of small gifts. The pagans held a winter festival in December, which included the tradition of lighting a Yule log in honor of Thor, the god of thunder. With the rise of Christianity in Europe, a celebration of Jesus’ birth became associated with the ancient mid-winter festivities and traditions. However, given the pre-existence of the mid-winter celebration, the “true” meaning of Christmas has little to nothing to do with Christianity.

My friends, Zerin and Samal, are Muslim Kurds (Is that oxymoronic? I don’t know.) I’ve gotta tell you, this couple lives the “true” meaning of Christmas, not only every day, but on Christmas itself. They decorate the house and yard. They have a Christmas tree. But, and this is the most important part, every year on Christmas day, they have a celebration at their home. They invite their Muslim friends. Zerin prepares a traditional Christmas meal. They exchange gifts. They share in the fraternity and caring that are the essence of friendship.

And that’s it, my friends, that’s what matters. The true meaning of Christmas lies in sharing with your friends and loved ones, caring for one another, and enjoying the peace and love that human relationships are for.

It is so very important to let the people you care about know that you care about them. And so, this Christmas, following in Zerin and Samal’s tradition, I am sending you this greeting to convey my warm holiday wishes, to let you know that I care about you, and to wish you peace and love this holiday season, and throughout the year to come.

Be well.

Love,
Danielle

Warm Holiday Wishes

It has been quiet in Monterey, yet a challenging, rewarding, and blessed year for all of us. We hope you are well and happy, safe and warm…

About Mikaël…
Mikaël will be spending the holidays with his father, stepmother, and their three boys in France this year.Mikaël is 20 now ~ gasp! I am very proud of the man he is becoming. Mikaël is studying at a university in France this year. He is a junior at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where my father has taught for 35 years. Mikaël is majoring in French and Philosophy. He says he hopes to join the Peace Corps after college. I couldn’t hope for better! We enjoyed a brief visit from Mikaël at our home by the beach in Monterey, before he left for France. Morgan and her friend had a grand old time burying Mikaël in the sand.


Our Critters…
Sadly, our fishy guy, Fred, passed away last week. But we still are the proud parents of two lovely doggies, Chanel and Madison, and two regal cats, JakeJake and Kitty.

Miss Morgan Grace…
My precious Miss Morgan is a lovely 12-year old now. She is a talented seventh grader and enjoys a number of good, meaningful friendships. She is a skilled writer, photographer, and artist, in her own right, and also enjoys being part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Student Oceanography Club. This year, she and I are going to take riding lessons. Morgan is spending Christmas in Wisconsin with her grandparents, father, his wife, and her brand new baby sister, Fiona. She will also have the chance to see my family, Monique, Michèle and Chris, Denise, and my beautiful nieces, Gabrielle and Madeleine.

For my part, I am thoroughly enjoying my wonderful job in test development for French at the Army’s Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center here in Monterey. I am one of the fortunate few who is not only using all of her education, but I learn so much more every day that work is one of my most favorite pastimes nowadays! I am even extra fortunate in that I work with some amazingly smart and experienced colleagues. I could not have designed a better or more rewarding job for myself!

I have been further blessed with wonderful children, beautiful sisters, and kind a beautiful family and friends. We have been living near the beach for a year and a half now, and I invite you all to visit us, sit on the balcony, and enjoy watching the waves. We do sincerely hope to welcome you very soon.

Next year will see Mikaël finish his year studying abroad and begin his senior year of college. Morgan will, hopefully be attending York School here in Monterey. I will continue my passion for writing, photography, and other artistic endeavors, and am scheduled to travel to France in late May.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY YOU ENJOY A BLESSED LIFE IN 2007!
Danielle, Mikaël, and Morgan Pensec

The most important thing...

...is loving people anyway.

Anyway ~ Martina McBride

You can spend your whole life building
something from nothing
one storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
and when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
and it's hard to believe
that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
for all the right reasons
and in a moment they can choose to walk away
love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
when I pray
it doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway yeah

You can pour your soul out singin'
a song you believe in
that tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway
Yeah yeah

I sing
I dream
I love
Anyway.
Yeah.

Cheers! ~ Happy Holidays Everyone!

Workplace Festivities

Like many places, we celebrated the holiday season at work yesterday.

This is a picture of my desk at work. You will note that it was not particularly festive in my personal corner of the office, although I love it there, nonetheless:


This is the beautiful table that our colleague, Beckie, decorated for us on Thursday:


And here are some pictures of the lovely meal we all put together:

Language school enters 66th year ‘more critical’ than ever

From: http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2419200.php

December 15, 2006

Language school enters 66th year ‘more critical’ than ever

Staff report

Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey speaks with instructors from Afghanistan who teach the Dari and Pashto dialects at the Defense Language Institute. Mustafa Mustafa, left, Safi Sahib and Nasir Rhami are wearing the native dress of their home country. The institute's foreign language center marked its 65th anniversary Nov. 8. — Defense Language Institute

Born just one month before the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the military’s premier language training center took on a key role in the war on terrorism, according to Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey.

Referring to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center’s mission, Harvey said the institute “is perhaps more critical to the success of ongoing military operations” than ever in its 65-year history.

The institute, located at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., celebrated its 65th anniversary Nov. 8 by inducting 10 prominent linguists into its newly established hall of fame. Harvey, along with Gen. Bryan Brown, commanding general of U.S. Special Operations Command, participated in anniversary activities.

The institute, which annually teaches 24 languages to 3,500 Army, Marine, Air Force and Navy students, dates to November 1941 when the Fourth Army Intelligence School was established at San Francisco to teach Japanese to American soldiers of Japanese descent.

Brown said that when it comes to language training, the institute “is the bright spot in the Defense Department, and quite frankly the entire United States. The ability to maintain this world-class language training school over the past 65 years, often with austere budget constraints, has simply been remarkable.”

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, the institute quickly established a new language department, the Enduring Freedom Task Force, for teaching the Afghan dialects of Dari and Pashto.

Today that department has evolved into the Emerging Languages Task Force for developing and teaching courses in strategically important languages.


The institute’s Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Retired Air Force Col. William P. Fife. Known as the father of airborne intercept in the Air Force, Fife set the standard for the employment Air Force linguists that continues this day.

• Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rick C. Francona. An Arabic translator for Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf during the Persian Gulf War, Francona later became a diplomat and is today a military analyst for NBC News.

• Shigeya Kihara. One of the institute’s founders, Kihara began teaching Japanese at Crissy Field, San Francisco, in 1941 using orange crates as tables. He graduated thousands of students during his 33-year career.

• Retired Army Maj. Gen. Roland Lajoie. The military diplomat dealt with the Soviet Union and its post-breakup countries for more than 30 years. He also served as the deputy assistant to the secretary of defense for cooperative threat reduction.

• Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Doyle E. Larson. He developed the Air Force’s career linguist program.

• Hugh G. McFarlane He designed the military linguist program for the National Security Agency.

• Retired Army Col. David A. McNerney. The institute’s former commandant initiated a major construction program at the school while developing a faculty personnel system and Foreign Language Proficiency Pay.

• Glenn H. Nordin. Nationally known as an advocate for universal language education and employment, Nordin is also called the “conscience of language” in the Pentagon.

• Leon E. Panetta. A former congressman who also served as White House chief of staff during the first Clinton administration, Panetta was instrumental in capital improvements to the institute and a driving force behind the National Security Education Program.

• Whitney E. Reed. A former commandant of the National Cryptologic School, Reed was instrumental in bringing computer technology to language training.

Success is Not a Country

This morning, I awakened to hear our esteemed president tell me that he is still considering many different opinions on the proper course of action in Iraq. Apparently, his decision to ignore the findings and advice of the Iraq Study Group was made in an attempt to ensure that when he chooses to inform the American people of his decision, we know that our esteemed president has, "listened to all aspects of government, and that the way forward is the way forward to achieve our objective -- to succeed in Iraq." Our esteemed president furthers that argument with the following definition of how we are to "succeed in Iraq:" "Success is a country that governs, defends itself, that is a free society that serves as an ally in this war on terror."

A few questions for you, our esteemed president:
1. Since when is "success" a country? How can the determination of US success be dependent upon the imposition of Democracy on another land?
2. Who are we to decide for another, sovereign, nation, the terms of its success?
3. If the Iraqi people were to choose not to accept the imposition of our form of Democracy, wouldn't they still be governing themselves?
4. Who are we to decide how Iraq chooses to govern itself?
5. Who owns the measuring stick that will determine when Iraq is "governing itself," "defending itself," and "a free society?"
6. What if Iraq does not want to be a "free society?"
7. Who defines what constitutes a "free society?" And, if it is not the Iraqis in this case, then how can anybody claim that that is, indeed, a free society?
8. What if Iraq does not want to be our ally in the war on terror? I'm not saying that they don't, but, what if?
9. Who are we to decide what shape an Iraqi peace must take?
10. Who are we to decide that there is to be peace?
11. Who are we to decide that Democracy is the only intelligent, enlightened path?
12. How can our esteemed president honestly believe that he is the bearer of ultimate truth? Is he somehow privy to a righteousness that no other person possesses?

To me, Democracy, in its current form, is the US' official religion. To me, the US decision to impose democracy on others is tantamount to jihad, or to the modern-day continuation of the medieval crusades, military actions taken in the name of religion, to show theose evil Muslims the glory of Christiantiy. By killing them? I wonder.

Make no mistakes, the war in Iraq is a religious war ~ Sunnis versus Shi'ites, Western Democracy versus Islam. A religious war cannot be won. Each party involved believes in his or her enlightenment, believes his or her way to be the THE way, granted by God Almighty, the RIGHT way, the ONLY way, the true path to righteousness.

There can be no win-win solution.

I do not think that it is possible for the United States to achieve "success" in Iraq. Not now. I do not believe that anybody knows what "success in Iraq" should really look like. I do, however, believe that it is up to the Iraqi people to make that determination and to strive for that success.

Saddam is a bad guy. I'll give you that. And so, we took away his membership to Justice League Unlimited. Bad boy, Saddam, you're responsible for how many deaths? How much torture? How much tragedy? We don't want to play with you anymore! Take that!

Extremism is frightening. I'll give you that, too. Extremism, of any kind, is not good ~ run away from it. Run fast. Religious extremism, however, is no less extreme, no less evil, than Democratic extremisim. Either way, you are looking at one person or group of people seeking to impose its personal interpretation of righteousness and truth.

The way I see it, our esteemed president has two choices: a) withdraw our troops from Iraq and let them kill one another; and, b) send in more troops as peacekeepers until the Iraqi people establish their own definition of "success in Iraq," and see that it is well on its way to becoming reality. I do not believe that option "a" is a humanitarian choice. It would equate to a sanctioning of genocide. I do believe that John McCain is right on this one. But, no matter what, we will not win.

"Success in Iraq" is neither ours to define, nor ours to achieve, Mr. President. And you are not Saint George, ordained by God to impose your interpretation of Democracy upon the world.



The picture below was taken today in Iraq, from http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/iraq/082701iraqplane/im:/061212/481/ed089d0f73854c90bf92ce64907e53e6

Decorating the Christmas Tree ~ December, 2006

All Finished!

Maddie Wants to Help!

The Decorations are Ready!

Just Getting Started

My Refrigerator Gallery

Chanel and Madison

Maddie Posing Prettily

Chanel Sitting Proudly

Maddie and Chanel Resting Beneath our Christmas Tree

The Last One

The last one is to be non-abusive, non-addictive, loyal and kind.
The last one is to be committed, passionate, compassionate and dedicated.
The last one is to be strong and brave, honest and open.
The last one is to be truthful, courageous, and there.
The last one is to be the last one.
The last one is to be.

If a man...

If a man moves you to feel like a woman,
the least you can do is let him.

~Merritt Malloy

Lebanon ~ Torn Apart

An editorial in Le Monde, a French national newspaper:

La démonstration de force de l'opposition libanaise, vendredi 1er décembre, à Beyrouth, une semaine seulement après les funérailles impressionnantes de Pierre Gemayel, en a fait la preuve. Le pays du Cèdre est bel et bien divisé en deux camps bénéficiant l'un comme l'autre d'une légitimité populaire, l'une pour contraindre le gouvernement, privé depuis quelques semaines de sa composante chiite, à la démission, l'autre pour résister au contraire à cette pression.

Il s'agit donc en somme de deux pays réels, dressés l'un contre l'autre, dont l'affrontement pour l'instant pacifique alimente une impasse politique que les mécanismes en vigueur dans les démocraties ordinaires ne permettent pas, dans le cas du Liban, de dépasser. La nature singulière d'institutions "confessionnalisées" entretient la crise, qui se cristallise sur la question du tribunal international créé pour juger les responsables des assassinats politiques perpétrés au Liban depuis deux ans et pour lesquels la Syrie est mise en cause.

Dans cet affrontement qui peut déboucher à chaque instant sur un embrasement, toutes les ressources comptent, notamment les influences étrangères, qui ont toujours su profiter de l'impuissance institutionnelle libanaise pour imposer politiques et intérêts. Le débat intérieur libanais se réduit aujourd'hui à la dénonciation par le gouvernement de la volonté prêtée à la Syrie de reprendre pied, par tous les moyens, sur un territoire qu'elle tient pour un pré carré inaliénable. Et aux accusations portées par l'opposition contre une majorité dont la politique se ferait dans le bureau de l'ambassadeur des Etats-Unis à Beyrouth.

L'état des alliés occidentaux du premier ministre, Fouad Siniora, ne plaide pas en leur faveur. M. Siniora a déjà pu mesurer l'efficacité limitée de la protection américaine lors de la guerre de cet été entre le Hezbollah et Israël. Le probable départ de Jacques Chirac de la présidence française peut également ouvrir une brèche dans le front antisyrien mis en place après l'assassinat de l'ancien premier ministre Rafic Hariri.

En revanche, l'influence grandissante de l'Iran au Proche-Orient via la Syrie, le capital de cartes qu'il a su accumuler au cours des dernières années ne peuvent que conforter affidés et clients. La situation s'éclaircirait sans doute à Beyrouth si le Hezbollah, à la fois parti politique libanais et puissant groupe armé pro-iranien, "résistant" pour les uns et "terroriste" pour les autres, parvenait à faire ce à quoi il s'est toujours refusé : choisir entre ses différentes natures. Dans l'épreuve de force qu'il a engagée avec le gouvernement Siniora, il doit tenir compte d'une opinion publique marquée par trois décennies de violences et d'instabilités. Elle ne peut que le presser à rechercher la voie de l'apaisement mais aura-t-elle enfin gain de cause ?

The War of Syrian Agression

The Confederate States called the US Civil War the War of Northern Aggression. Or so I have been told..

Today we have civil wars existing or on the verge thereof, in Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.

In Iraq, from http://italy.indymedia.org/uploads/2004/04/04cnd-iraq-protest650.2.jpg












In Palestine, from http://www.brocweb.com/examples/images/palestine.jpg

In Lebanon, from http://blog.case.edu/james.chang/2006/07/20/lebanon_rubble.jpg













There is a common denominator. Actually two. The first, and most important: Syria. The second: Iran. I have nothing against the people of either country. To me, people are people. But politics are not politics. I do take issue with Syria's present politics.

Because of that. Because of Syria's actions in their quest for power and control in Iraq, in Palestine, and in Lebanon, I think two things:

1. The civil wars in Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon are all the same conflict.
2. The conflict in question could be called the War of Syrian Aggression.

My Maternal Grandmother, Gertrude Hedwig Bonn Schoonover

At our family reunion, September, 2003

At her home in Hempstead, NY

With my mother as a baby

Late 1930s

Late 1930s

Late 1930s

Around 1932

Around 1932

Morgan and Chanel, Hanging Out and Reading

Morgan reading in our living room

Morgan reading on the couch

Morgan and Chanel hanging out

Chanel resting in the living room

Morgan and Chanel, Watching TV

She's such a pretty young lady, isn't she? And a good kid, too!

I learned some things yesterday...

I made a short list at my counseling appointment, yesterday. I learned a few things. Some may seem obvious, but aren't, to me. Others, I may "know," intellectually, but am unable to incorporate into my personal assessment and thinking processes:

1. I have a very long to-do list for my life that is bigger and more important than the problems I want to resolve.

2. Although I absolutely crave it, order isn't everything. According to Susan, my therapist, even if the spices and DVDs are not in alphabetical order, even if my closet isn't organized according to color, shade, and sleeve-length, I will be alright.

3. I am in control of my life.

I decide whether or not to confront the people who have hurt me. I decide whether or not to tell my father what his alcoholism and abuse have done to me, how they have devastated my life for so long, and in so many ways. I decide.

4. I don't have to confront him to forgive him.

Forgiving him does not mean that what he did was alright.

I do not have to ever do anything with him. Or to see him. Or to talk to him.

I decide.

5. The same goes for the other people who have really hurt me. I decide whether or not to confront them. I decide whether or not to ever even interact with them again.

They are decisions I get to make. Not just once, but all the time.

6. I was born with power. Like everybody else. People are born with a sense of power, of deservedness, of need, and of immediacy.

7. I am no less worthy or deserving than anybody else. No matter what they did. No matter what they said.

8. I can reclaim my sense of control over my life, my power, simply by choosing to do what delights me, and not to do what doesn't.

It really is that simple, but it isn't always easy.

I decide.


That is all.