((((((Tim)))))),



GoodNESS, Tim, you got anything NICE to say about yourself??

I know what that FEELS LIKE. I've spent the better part of my life feeling like that. But, I don't say it anymore.

You don't see -- you really don't see -- what everyone else does, do you!!??

You are just like everyone else on the planet -- sometimes you do things right, sometimes you do things wrong. You're an incredibly caring person. You're helpful and supportive in your own way -- I found that stuff that you posted the other day about BPD helpful. I was saddled with that BPD diagnosis years-and-years ago (talk about kicking someone in the bee-hind).

I think they should LOSE that diagnosis. It's not really helpful to tell someone that there's something wrong with their personality.

I've finally figured out through all my grand and glorious "history" (what an insignificant word) that I don't know how to do some stuff because i was never taught how to do it. Some things hurt like hell because they happened too early in my life and I wasn't prepared and I wasn't supported.

That's why people like you and me are fragile in some areas. Because we weren't taught. Because we've had to "go through" (experience) things that we shouldn't have had to. And because we've had to go through 'things' just on sheer guts because our support systems stink sometimes.

That DOES NOT MEAN that there's anything inherently wrong with either of us.

Did I ever tell you about the time I deleted the only copy of FIVE YEARS worth of long-range plans for a Fortune 500 company when I was just starting out on my business career I think I'll keep the details of that one to myself BUT, the fact is I did not get fired because of it and I learned from that experience.

You don't take a beautiful, fragile glass figurine and keep bashing it against the wall hoping it'll "get smart" -- you treat it like the rare, beautiful treasure that it is (that you are, that I am).

Please, Tim, try not to be so hard on yourself. Try to treat yourself the way that you would your best friend. Try not to be so self-critical. All of us here know what a blessing you are -- I want you to be able to see that for yourself -- and BELIEVE IT.

BIG HUGS (and love).

Barb