In a message dated 12/29/2005 11:32:13 P.M. Central Standard Time, aamago@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Sometimes when people focus on others it's because there's something in themselves that they don't want to look at. HI, Yes. I agree! I think that is why you focus on the awfulness of the human race--because YOU are not doing anything about it! YOU. Not the pharma people, not the 'let's mess up the environment people, let's have a war people--but YOU. YOU have ignored the plight of those in your community. YOU walk away. YOU make fun of those who are trying so very hard. Now--me? When I focus on you? Oh, you think I was 'rescuing' you? Oh, my, NO! I was simply doing my job--to make a match! You said you wanted a new year's resolution--and also have been loudly (very loudly) bemoaning the state of the world, the state of humankind. SO--given the information that I have, given the need that you have--why--I made a match! It's what I DO. I am (to use my Mic-O-Say name <g>) Searching Healing Spirit Watching All. Watching All -- Searching for the need--bringing whoever it is that can provide that healing--and doing so because that is what I was created to do ... I like making matches. I like seeing Light. I like productive constructive good. I believe, very strongly, that you were created to DO, not just to BE. Sometimes, sure, that means relaxing and watching the grass grow--but you are WATCHING, you are BEING...not just a lump on a log or a sofa watching television or whining and complaining. (Try The Soul's Code by James Hillman <g>) I LIKE most of people on Our List because they are actually doing-sorts. Almost all of them, in their own fashions, are making their corners of the world better. For some it is with their thoughtful care and concern and words of wisdom - think the Robert Paul types and his cronies -- I won't name them all for they pop up and down on this list so much and I am always so glad when he [in particular] draws them outward... -- for some I have learned so much and been inspired towards more 'doing' and learning as I have seen the obvious frustration mixed with productive action (I think of Stan, in particular, here as he has been within your line of fire lately), the wit mixed with grace that you can just SEE happening as Mikey wanders through Memphis touching lives. Julie with her precious bundles and lively world. Andreas with his focus on building and creating--the charm that flows from our Canadian friends, the overseas insights that come from all around..Carol with her movement to take her gifts and talents in the creative field to the insights within people, Eric--oh! We all know that he would be one to 'ride the river with' [to use the old-fashioned terminology which means that he would be one to guard your back and keep alert always], the way with words that come from David R and oh! with the parenting stories that have come in conversation between his life and Julie's--that enough is what often keeps me walking in my day! With etc etc. I have worried a bit about you--for you scream but don't make any action to change the situation. Oh, yes...I do, indeed, understand and worry about that in me, too! So--here you are right. I definitely see how easy it would be to ignore the plight of those around me. I have that piece within me, too! I see myself in you--but, I have come outward and I want you to do so, too! Please don't be selfish! I know what it is to be selfish--and it is so much more pleasant and productive and constructive and simply sweet and dear and all that is good and true and charming and grand when you can enlarge your giving! It does not mean you give up the little precious moments of time that you have with your husband on the weekends! But, just as he goes to give to the world (surely it is to do that and not just to muck around in the worldly stuff that makes the pharma and big bad corporate global wrecking the environment people happy?)--you can also be giving and DOING and then--why then, if you want to weep--then weep away! (Actually--it's probably the weeping that makes me 'see myself' in you, if I have to be totally candid with myself! For, I do that alot--but then I muster my wits and begin to make the change that I long to see...Oh, please, join me! Together we CAN make a change!) You CAN make a difference! Light that candle--BE that change! Make that resolution! I'll not 'give up' on you--and do worry about you! How awful to weep and not make any changes! I have done that, too--and it is far far better to begin making the world better in your own little corner! Best, Marlena in Missouri