this is how I feel...

I got this from someone else, but I wanted to share it because of the thoughtfulness:

The Kaleidoscope of Life, Living Together Differently

We tend to gravitate toward people who are the most like us, at least in the ways that make us feel comfortable. But life has its way of bringing us into contact with people who challenge us with their differences. It may be an obvious difference reflected in their outward appearance or an invisible but powerful philosophical stance, but even in our closest circle of friends and family, there are those that confront us with their different ways of experiencing and expressing life. We can choose to resist , but we can also choose to learn from them and appreciate that they too have a place in the kaleidoscope of life. As much as we may say that we want peace and quiet and a life without struggle, the truth is that human beings are, at this time, thriving in a world of dualities and challenges. It is how we choose to approach these hurdles that determine if we sail over them, confirming our agility, or trip and end up face down in the dust. And each of us absolutely will and must stumble, and then get up, brush the dust off and carry on. This is how we learn and grow, developing depth of character and shades of understanding. In a world of dualities, we have trouble defining ourselves without something opposite, and can’t discover who we are. Without challenge, there is nothing to do and nothing to discover. That leaves us either in a state of non-being or the state of pure spirit, but as humans, we are spiritual beings experiencing the physical world in all of its startling contrast and beauty. No matter how spiritual we are, our lives will have challenges. We will always run into people that are different that we are, but the true challenge may be in finding ways to be at peace with this process. Rather than give in to the fight or flight response that comes from our animal nature, we can find new ways to evolve together into higher more beautiful expressions of ourselves, realizing, embracing and celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength it offers for the future.For more information visit dailyom.com.This article is printed from DailyOM - Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.

Here are some ways that I believe I am different than some of the people around me:

1-I'm liberal. This is a broad statement and means more to me than a political statement. It's how I choose to live my life.

2- I'm not religious; I choose spirituality. Going to church makes me very uncomfortable and is just not a fit for me. Maybe this will change over time. What I experienced as a teenager in the church at that time had lasting effects on me.

3- I'm going to be a single mom by choice. And form an inter-racial family on top of that. Some of you believe that is wrong, or at least not the best thing. If you want to know why I disagree with you, we can have that discussion.

4- I'm somewhat thoughtful about the things I use and things I throw away in order to be conscious about the environment.

5- I live in a little house in the city. I choose to walk places and have a short commute. I don't want to spend alot of time commuting. I have less house to clean and heat and cool!

How about things things I have in common with many of you:

1- I love peanut butter and ice cream!

2- I love dogs!

3- I have a strong work ethic!

4- I love being outdoors and getting dirty. Fishing, digging in the yard, walking, and a good fire.

5- I love Christmas time. The music, the food, all of the celebrations.