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From: Alan Badmington (to Pam)
Date: 08 Oct 2009
Time: 15:41:56 -0500
Remote Name: 84.70.154.101
Hi Pam, It’s great to hear from you. I’m sorry it has taken me a few days to respond. Thank you for taking the time to read my article and provide meaningful feedback. It certainly appears that we have travelled a similar path during recent years. I believe that the cornerstone of happiness is to value ourselves as human beings. We need to accept ourselves as persons of worth. We must learn to love/like ourselves, irrespective of any blemishes or imperfections (either actual or perceived). It means recognising and accepting our shortcomings, as well as our strengths. We must embrace the fullness of who we are, including our limitations. Our self-worth should be unconditional and not dependent upon the approbation of others. Self-esteem should come from within. When our self-esteem is low, we tend to overlook our strengths and inflate our weaknesses. Conversely, high self-esteem can be very empowering – it gives us the confidence to meet life’s challenges. One of our worst failings is our preoccupation with the thoughts of others. Approval and acceptance has become a dominant feature in the lives of many. During recent years, I have lived my life in accordance with the adage, “What other people think of my stuttering is none of my business”. I am no longer concerned about being judged – it is so liberating. My aim has not simply been to deal with my speech. I also wished to become self-actualized (to be doing the things that I have always wanted to do). I believe that I have travelled a long way along the road to self-actualization. I’ve encountered (and overcome) many hurdles, and passed significant milestones. Although I feel that I am pretty close to my destination, the real pleasure has been the experience of that eventful journey. Pam, I suspect that you are in a similar situation. Long may your exciting journey continue. Kindest regards Alan