Since the last time I posted, some good things have happened.
I’ve started getting closer to people in my church (some of whom I also work with: it’s a small town). I’m feeling for the first time in decades (literally) that the majority of people I hang out with truly care about me, and that’s a really good feeling.

On the down side, I dated someone who treated me badly-but there’s a good side to that, too. It only lasted 3 weeks-the length of time it took me to realize what he was doing. And I moved on, which is my goal. Since that situation, I’ve been standing up for myself more consistently when something isn’t right. That has felt really good.

Deciding to do this for myself, to treat myself with greater respect and dignity is all part of a larger vision I have for my life: one that holds up the dignity of and includes people, is centered on God, and shares love, health, and joy.

Since I’ve started and continued this process-mostly offline, I admit-I’ve been sometimes surprised at the shift in my thinking, and the way I treat myself with more respect. I’m starting to see changes in me that some other people are noticing and have commented on. I’m really encouraged by that.