Be less concerned about what others think of me, and more concerned about truly being present with people.

I have always been shy, so have been a self-monitor-er, but have become so much better at not doing this, and at not taking a victim role and letting other people decide for me for what I think of myself. However, I want to even more be truly present with people, to let most all of my own self-monitoring go and allow myself and the other person the gift of truly seeing and hearing and experiencing the other. Humans are so beautiful, they amaze me every day with their profound ability to hang on to and create something hopeful, even in the most desperate moments. If we could all see our strength and tenacity in this way, we could heal ourselves with the balm of compassion and self-nurturing. These things I want to remember and hold, and then just be with others, admiring what they offer, and let my ego dissolve into the air, as it should.