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SusanofO -> RE: Does D/s stand for double standard? (4/7/2007 7:19:20 PM)
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I have been thinking about this thread, and I think it was profound that cloudboy mentioned how important it is to be able to realize that you took the high road in a circumstance. I agree this is true, no matter what another person may have have tried to make it seem like you did (that you did not) or whether you have been "taken" by a person desperate, mean, crazy or simply oblivious enough to take full and blatant advantage of someone who has a more kind and giving heart.
I really liked the mention that walking away with one's honor is most valuable. In my mind, it is going to beat whatever false "image" this type of wrong-doer may have created at the expense of another, or via lies, to themselves, or to their acquaintances and friends.
Social courage is sometimes IMO the toughest nut for other people to display that exists. Stand tall, no matter what slings and arrows this situation may throw your way, for the OP has already acted with honor, as have others on this thread in similar circumstances.
There is no need to defend yourself - if one is courageous, and you certainly seem to be, this situation will never be able to melt into your soul's core.
IMO, having a well-functioning, giving heart will always, always, beat out having brains, looks or wealth. If a person has no ability to give, but only to "take" from other people, their words can ring hollow, and they become empty, and spitirutally dead.
Perceptive types take notice, and eventually will see and maybe state aloud, that the "Emperor (or Empress) wears no clothes" - no matter how stylishly the Empress or Emperor is dressed, or how faultless their carefully-honed image once seemed to appear.
To see someone like this fall off their own self-created throne, can for some, be very satisfying, if and when it happens, especially when they have treated others so wrongfully. But, IMO these wrong-doers can sometimes be very slow learners, and we are all on our own path. Theirs is a future unknown.
I agree very much with what was stated, that being generous, forgiving, and open-hearted, is taking the high road. You've already chosen this. Nobody can buy your soul. It is intact. The person who wronged you cannot do that to you anymore, ever again.
I found the following in my purse. I find reading it on occasion to be a comfort, and thought you might enjoy it. I am sure many have seen it. To me, its words are truly timeless in their application.
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements, as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble - it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
*But - let this not blind you to what virtue there is - many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere, life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it as perennial as the grass.
*Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
*But - do not stress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
*You are a child of the universe!
No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
And whether or not, it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you perceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
*With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful.
*Strive to be happy.
Found in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, in 1692
Happy Easter, to the OP, rest easy (and so to everyone who reads this thread).
- Susan
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