The New Me

[dogriver]

Over the course of this weekend, I went through one of the scariest experiences of my life. The experience opened my eyes and taught me a great deal about myself, in particular one aspect of myself which is in desperate need of changing.

If you've ever taken the time to follow my posts to blindness-related mailing lists, you'll know that I tend to be rather on the sarcastic side at times. While it was sometimes fun to be this way, the events of the last weekend have taught me that life is far too short to waste my time cutting people down. It has to change, and it has to change now. I'll still joke around and so on, but I am realy going to strive to be a builder-up instead of a cutter-down. If you are reading this, and you have been the victim of my insensitivity and, yes, assinine stupidity, I am truly, truly sorry. I will strive to be a better person, more encouraging, more accepting, more forgiving, just better, all-around. God used this to help me. I'm just so sorry it took something like this to knock some sense into this mulish brain of mine.

Comments

[funblindsinger.livejournal.com]

Good on ya baby! We'll work on it together. HCH!

[(Anonymous)]

Yo Bruce, for those of us who don't follow the lists...could you briefly describe the happenings that have changed you?

[masterofmusings.livejournal.com]

It wasn't anything on the lists that caused me to sit up and take notice, it was an event in my personal life. I'd prefer not to get into it publicly, but the change is real.

[rharmon928.livejournal.com]

Bruce I wish you the best of luck in your life and what ever ggoals you reach for. We all are stubborn and not always willing to change. I know I'm one
of those types and change never comes easy. I know some times we knock heads and don't always agree with each others opinions. I tried to tell you Saturday
that my comments weren't directed at you on the blind tech list. I can see how you took them to be and that is why I apologized there. I will do so again
here as well as my comments weren't directed at you. I too will try to change and try to be more tollerent of views I don't always share. I chose to
say this to you here and not on the list as I get into enough trouble there and need no more at this point as they are on the verge of placeing me on moderated
status. I also say this here since on Saturday you left my mailing list and told me that my messages to you were blocked and not to contact you anymore.
I will not do so if you really don't want me to do so. I did want to take a minute to make my comments here since I just read your post on list and here
as well.
 
I too only desire to build and not to hurt or destroy. I've come along way since I lost my sight in 2004. I've come even further since 2006 when I started
to try and help others by producing audio tutorials and then later my website. I've learned a lot from people like yourself and hope I can continue to
learn a lot more.
 
Rick H.