This past month, I found myself reaching out, writing to, and, even, sending gifts to two people who have made it abundantly clear that they do not want to have anything to do with me. As I did it, I knew they would never respond. I was not doing it for their reply. I was doing it to feel shunned and excluded - to confirm my belief that I am an undeserving low-life. Wow! What's that all about? Whenever I start to spiral backwards, life partner has the tendency to remind me that, "Hm ... perhaps you are approaching feeling successful and happy? Time to punish yourself? Hm ...?"
I guess that self alteration work takes time. With every few steps forward, there are those backward steps that creep in unconsciously ... but, oh dear ...
Danny,
I have the same feeling about "smiling" photos versus sad or pensive ones. Thanks for your comment. As usual, you know me so well, and are such a supportive friend. Much appreciated.
Posted by: tamarika | November 19, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Very insightful post. May I add that as much as I love your smile, I also love seeing those pictures of you in a different mode, especially that second one above. So real, so meaningful—there's a beauty in that sadness. (But maybe I should ask myself why such pensive shots seem more "real" to me than happy, smiling ones! Oy.)
I wonder if I'm correct in my guess about who one of those people you reached out to is. In any event, I really can't imagine anyone not wanting to have anything to do with you. I know it's a cliche, but all I would say to those people is: "YOUR LOSS!"
Posted by: Danny | November 19, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Hey there Jean! Good to see that you are right here when I need you. Thank you.
And, dear Kay, journeying alongside ... smiles.
Rebekah,
Welcome. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. You are absolutely right, of course. And to stop feeling hurt is definitely the key, isn't it? But then I wouldn't be able to feel like an undeserving "low-life!"
Thank goodness, I am really starting to "get it" - finally. For, awareness is half the battle! Time to let go of those self-destructive patterns - no more time to lose.
I, of course, will keep right on loving those people who don't want me. I just don't need to let them, or the whole world, know about it - or, even - do anything about it. Just know it, quietly, gently, deeply, within me - forever.
Posted by: tamarika | November 19, 2008 at 05:49 AM
A lesson you really shouldn't have to learn, so don't be too hard on yourself for being more gentle and loving than most! But, yes, you're quite right of course. Hugs.
Posted by: Jean | November 18, 2008 at 09:48 AM
I have done -- probably will continue to do -- the same thing, Tamar.
Yes we must keep loving. There's no other option.
Posted by: Kay Dennison | November 18, 2008 at 08:22 AM