I just loved this short, simple little comment.  It meant a lot to me.  It’s by Patricia L. Mitchum, who wrote on the subject of New Year’s Resolutions:

“Remember to not let people bother me or discourage me. Feelings should not be always easily hurt.”

My blog writing on the subject of New Year’s Resolutions, the beginning of my 30-Day gift to you for the month may be found here, along with Patricia’s comment.  Please add your own comment, and also come back daily to this blog.

Sometimes I find myself caring so much about others, it hurts.  When someone demands something, or says a harsh comment, it occasionally bothers me.  Or I let those things get to me.  So I am working on being less vulnerable, or fragile.  I’d like a tougher skin for 2009, please God!

Sure, I have a solid love for God in my core, and He always is my anchor. However, there were times in the past I felt really horrible about myself, even to the point of feeling extremely flawed and hating myself.   It’s times like those I forget God and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned, and get into my own self too much, and then I become really sensitive.

One thing I’ve learned is that when people are critical of others, they are really criticizing themselves.  They are not happy with who or what they are, and they’re so ashamed about it, or feel so bad about themselves they can’t stand it and have to foist it, or project it onto someone else to feel better.

So thanks, Patricia, for reminding me that I need not feel hurt by someone else’s pain and suffering.

I must also say I really love the comments you are writing.  SO many people are reading this new column (blog) and commenting it’s really delightful and satisfying!  Keep coming back, please.