Monday, March 26, 2012

Don't mistake my kindness for weakness...


Seriously. I may look nice, and I am, but don’t assume that this makes me a doormat. Some people are loud, I’m not. Their speech is loud, their speech is frequent, they talk over people, and they say everything that comes to their mind. I am just not like that. This doesn’t mean that people who do this are all rude necessarily (some are), but that just isn’t me. When I am in the company of people who are “louder” than me, I tend to take on the listener approach rather then fight to be heard.

Anyone who knows me WELL, knows that I am a talker and I like to share my opinions and socialize, but I am not going to have a pissing match with people who want to “out-talk me.” I'm not shy, I'm not afraid of who I am, I just choose my battles and know when it's worth speaking up or not. People who talk over people usually don't care or have the respect for what you have to say anyway, so might as well let them have at it. *shrugs* SO if you think I am quiet, then you’re probably too loud, just sayin’. 

I am also not a fan of awkward and UNNECESSARY confrontations. I am very conscious of the way things are said and how they can be perceived. I am very sensitive to the impact words can have on people and I am a decent human being enough to care. There is a line between being yourself and expressing your beliefs respectfully and being the asshole who crosses it and speaks with no regard to the feelings it may hurt. People who do this not only have the ability to hurt other people, but they hurt themselves. It's self-damaging. It's not healthy to be an asshole in general, but you also isolate yourself by making no one want to be around you, so just don't do it OK? If it’ll cause awkward tension or it’s rude and it doesn’t need to be said, then don’t say it. Rules to live by: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not, then let it be left unsaid.

Whether I like your face or not, I don’t see the point in making things awkward, being mean or saying things to piss people off, especially if you’re someone I have to see all the time. I think being rude for the sake of being rude is stupid…there is a time and place for rude, but it does not need to be in every day conversation among FRIENDS AND FAMILY! And if you've been rude up to this point, and you know you have, and you think I am rolling over and letting you...don't make this mistake either. I try to let rude slide as long as I possibly can and then eventually I explode. You don't want that.  

With that being said, just because I don’t fight to talk over you or make things awkward for you, does not mean that I am weak and will bend to you. It means that I know how to handle myself like an adult and can leave petty shit aside. I like harmony and I don't take joy in making people feel bad or trying to look like a hard-ass bitch for no reason. There are so many different personalities in this world with so many different buttons to be pressed. It is IM-POSSIBLE to avoid everyone’s hot buttons and to agree with or like everyone in this world. It is OK not to make friends with every single person you come into contact with in this world, but it is NOT OK to not give people at least general respect.

So I think sometimes people mistake me for weak because I am not loud or argumentative. Well, you'd be way off the mark. I just save my "fight" for times to fight, no use wasting energy just so people can hear me. I don't need the spotlight and I know the difference between something that needs to be said compared to "I just don't know how to shut my mouth." <----that is called word vomit. I'm just not overly forth-coming and obnoxious with my noise. There is an orchestra of strong, powerful and awesome stuff in here, but I'm choosy about with whom and when it comes out. I don't personally think that everyone is deserving nor would they even want to know what realness I have in store.

Bottom line: Think before you speak. Don't say something that would be better left unsaid. Don't say things to be shitty and rude to the people you love. Treat people how you would want to be treated.




 

Monday, March 19, 2012

Enough is enough...orrrrr is it?!?





"Come on, think. I want you to reach back into those minds and tell me, tell us all, what it is you fantasize about. World peace? I thought so. Do you fantasize about international fame? Do you fantasize about winning a Pulitzer Prize? Or a Nobel Peace Prize? An MTV Music Award? Do you fantasize about meeting some genius hunk, ostensibly bad, but secretly simmering with noble passion and willing to sleep on the wet spot? You get Lucas' point. Fantasies have to be unrealistic because the moment, the second, that you get what you desire, you don't, you can't want it anymore. In order to continue to exist desire must have it's objects perpetually absent. Its not the it that you want, it's the fantasy of it. So desire supports crazy fantasies. This is what Pascal means when he says we are only truly happy when daydreaming about future happiness or why we say the hunt is sweeter than the kill. Or be careful what you wish for, not because you get it but because you're doomed not to want it once you do. So the lesson of Lucas is, living by wants will never make you happy. What it means to be fully human is to strive to live by ideals and ideals and not to measure your life by what you've attained in terms of your desires but those small moments of integrity, compassion, rationality, even self-sacrifice. Because in the end, the only way that we can measure the signifigance of our own lives is by valuing the lives of others." -The Life of David Gale


This girl is guilty as charged. I admit that I have a real problem with always wanting more despite all of the great things that I have. Trust me, I know how horribly selfish that sounds. I know that the goal is to be happy with what you have, and I am, but this has never stopped me from reaching for more.

My over-achieverness began in childhood. I am an only child, but I was not spoiled in the sense that most people think only children get spoiled. I had to work for everything, especially attention, so I went into everything I did with the intent to shine, hoping that I would get the approval I was looking for. And usually I did and still do go big and do well, but the catch was always that as soon as I did something great, I then felt like I had to go bigger, better and higher. Kind of like an addiction that builds over time. So began a vicious cycle...

I always feel like I'm just not quite where I wanna be just yet. That I still have more work to do and as soon as I get there, I just know I will be happy. Buttttt that's not usually what happens. I have an awesome life. I absolutely do. I have done amazing things and I continue to do them still. I have the most wonderful hubby and family, a great group of girl friends, I have a degree, a decent job that makes decent money, I own a home...but my problem is that as soon as I get something I have been wanting, I am soon on to the next big thing. I just keep "one-upping" myself.

In my own defense, I am learning to be more content with what I have and am coming to the realization that not all of my wants will turn into gots. I will never give up on my dreams, but there are some things in this world that I got into my head that I should shoot for, but that more than likely wouldn't make me any more satisfied if I got it. I need to build on what I have and realize that sometimes "less" is more. The sooner I figure this out, the sooner I can stop setting myself up for disappointment and can really start enjoying what I already have.

I also agree that life is so much more rich when it is lived with and for others. I will always strive to do more and be more, but I want that to include my role in the lives of the ones I love. As of late, I have already begun that journey by being more positive and holding onto positive people, reaching for my dreams while spending more time with people who make me happy and doing things that make me happy. Through this I am trying to spread the positive light that I have and make a difference in at least some small way. There are still some things that I need to fix, but I will worry less about them from now on while I am enjoying the good things.


I will leave you with lyrics to a song by Stacie Orrico that have always rung true for me.

(There's Gotta Be) More to Life

I've got it all, but I feel so deprived
I go up, I come down and I'm emptier inside
Tell me what is this thing that I feel like I'm missing
And why can't I let it go

[Chorus]
There's gotta be more to life...
Than chasing down every temporary high to satisfy me
Cause the more that I'm...
Tripping out thinking there must be more to life
Well it's life, but I'm sure... there's gotta be more
Than wanting more

I've got the time and I'm wasting it slowly
Here in this moment I'm half way out the door
Onto the next thing, I'm searching for something that's missing

[repeat chorus]

I'm wanting more
I'm always waiting on something other than this
Why am I feelin' like there's something I missed.....





Wednesday, February 22, 2012

This is about as real as it gets.

I could blow you away with all of the Lindsay that I'm packin', but most people will never have the privilege...the amount of people in this world that truly know me is slim to nothing annnnnddddd I like it that way. I have an incredibly intense personality, but usually it comes out in incredibly expressive ways or to some, what seems to be incredibly indifferent ways. Expressive means I love your face to shit or perhaps that you're sorry you ever lit my fuse 'cause I burned your ass...indifferent usually translates into I'm a stuck up bitch because I don't throw myself at you to be friends. Well, sorry to break it to ya, I love with all my heart and I disregard just the same. Don't get me wrong, I have the gift of going into everything I do with 100%. I love harmony and want nothing more, but if you don't reciprocate it then well, let me just say you'll know if I'm gonna ride for ya or leave your ass to fend for yourself. My favorites in this world know who they are because they have also made me their favorite and I ain't gonna lie, I play for my favorites. If you have to sit there and be like, " I think I am..." Nope, try harder. You know I did and then eventually it probably seemed like I didn't and that ain't my fault...I expect a lot when it comes to my favorites and most people don't make the cut, it ain't hard, it's called making an effort. I'm sorry my expectations are high. Wait. Strike that, reverse it. I am not sorry. I'm pretty sure that there is nothing in this world that ever said it was a good idea to lower your expectations...usually the suggestion is to raise the bar. I like hurdles and I will jump them when it's worth it...I can only hope that I am a hurdle to anyone in this world worth jumping. I always say, take me or leave me, understand me or don't. I have a lot of shit built up in here and sometimes it affects who I let in my life so keep in mind, "you may know my name, but not my story." There are chapters in my life some people will never understand...NEVER. I will never explain them to you, and you will never understand me for them, but they are there, they have shaped me into what you see before you so again,  love this or leave this...I will embrace or brush it off either way. I hope you choose to love me though because I am a force to be reckoned with and can be a wonderful addition to your team. If I am in your life it is with an incredible passion. I know what lack of passion looks like...it's a waste of life force. I don't waste any of my force so please absorb it like a God damn sponge if I am spilling it your way. My spillage only lasts for so long and when it's not being returned you'll be wishing you hadn't wasted it when you had the chance. NO ONE should waste ANYTHING when they have the chance. So just don't do it ummmmkkkk?!?!? I've had too many people in my life who should have been there for me who weren't. You ever wanna know, just ask. I promise to always give you my best, but don't expect me to owe anyone anything for less than the best in return. I really am better at writing what I feel...if you don't like what I write, then you will never appreciate me. This is about as real as it gets right here.

Monday, February 20, 2012

I Can't Fix You


Trying to get to bed yesterday in the wee hours of the morning, one of the random moments of sadness I sometimes have about my dad snuck up. Not sure where it came from. I think it happened subconsciously in that moment when you're just drifting to sleep when things start to get weird and you either fall further into sleep and keep dreaming it or it jolts you awake...well, I woke back up and for a small second was reminded that I don't have any clue where my father is. Anyone close enough to me knows that I do not have an ideal relationship with either of my parents, but the one with my father is virtually non-existent. I don't say this to bash him or air his dirty laundry so to speak, I say this because it is 100% true, 100% sad and obviously has an impact on my life. For those of you with wonderful fathers who are in your life, helped raise you and were there for you, do me a favor. Cherish every bit of it because you are very blessed. I am glad for you that you can look at your father and say things like how there for you he was or that you looked up to him, that he taught you so much and showed you so much love. I do not believe I was unloved by him, but I do believe I was not a priority and most likely never will be. My father has always been a mess. I didn't really realize it until I got older because my family tried to hide it from me, but I am fully aware of his mess now. My parents were never married and I have never lived with my father. He used to just come and pick me up here and there to stay over and it always seemed great to me because my dad was always more like a fun friend than a parent. I realize now that, that was immaturity and deep rooted issues that he still hasn't overcome. Through the years he gradually got worse and people stopped trying to hide the mess that is him, and he no longer has anyone to clean up his messes. He seemed like a perfectly functional adult when I was young, but then I realized that he never had money enough for himself and relied on family and friends to cover for him and take him in the majority of the time. He never paid child support for me either. In more recent years, he has gotten about as low as he can get. He has no home, no money...no anything. At this point, I have not spoken to him since August when I got home from getting married in Vegas. He was not there, he did not walk me down the aisle. He really didn't seem all that enthused about it at all even though he has met Travis and likes him. He has the maturity of a teenager to put it plainly and his ability to see past his own selfishness and be a father is practically non-existent. I am the parent when I do hear from him, but most of the time I have no idea where he is or how to reach him. He calls when he feels like it and I tend to assume that no news is good news, that he's not in jail or at a homeless shelter or in some other drama. So yeah, I currently have no clue where he is and usually I don't think about him really as sad as that sounds. His life is such a mess to the point that I don't think he will ever recover...this is the most sad thing of all. As much as I would love to have the "world's greatest dad," I wish that even if I am never to have a relationship with him that he could at least someday come to know what having a real life is. And to know any kind of peace. To not be on drugs, drinking, homeless, squatting at someone's place, being booted and then re-embraced by family. To know what having a real everyday job is like, paying bills, interacting with family...the stuff we find so mundane. I can't imagine how much pain and destruction in his life he has seen and sometimes I feel so sad and sorry for him and just wish I could fix it...but then I realize it's not my job to and nor do I owe it to him with the damage his absence has done me. I realize that although the cards he has been dealt suck, he needs to punch that dealer in the throat and take the damn deck and deal himself the right hand. It's his life and he needs to fix it and if he were willing to do this I would be right there helping him, but that is where the immaturity steps in. He doesn't see life this way. He is a victim and he has been wronged and the world owes him something. He does not understand that the world is not fair, it does suck and it's going to screw you over and you will feel momentarily helpless. You can't control everything and you can't even always change it, but you can change what you do about it. He rebels, he doesn't rise above it. So dad, I'm sorry, I cannot fix you I can only wish for you to fix yourself. Until then it is what it is...you'll call every 3-4 months from a number I don't know so I won't answer because I won't know it's you. You'll leave messages saying that I never answer my phone like it's my job to when you call. When we do speak it'll be about you, no inquiries into how your daughter is doing and you'll just complain about the shit you've dealt with recently and ask me how you can fix it with my court and police "expertise." We'll hang up and you'll go back to doing you and I'll back to doing me until next time comes around. No, I cannot fix you...not with the strongest tape or the strongest glue. Only you can fix you and I can only hope that someday you choose to.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

You're Only as Good as the Company You Keep

Pinned Image

Only recently have I come to know how truly important your choice of friends/cohorts/partners in crime, whatever you call them, really is. It's amazing what a difference it makes to surround yourself with people who genuinely lift you up and are there for you, who empower you and are happy to see you happy. It's hard sometimes to see that "misery loves company," but it seems that people who are in misery flock together and the same can be said for those who aren't. I have to say that the last couple months have been a complete eye opener for me. I wouldn't say that I was necessarily in misery or depressed, but I can say that I was in an overall state of frustration about a lot of things in my life. I felt very much in a rut and that things just weren't going my way and I wasn't shy about sharing my feelings about it. And then the new year came along and although I do not do new year's resolutions, the timing was coincidentally perfect for me to take a new lease on life. I really took a look at myself and all of the things I was complaining about and made it my mission to not feel that way about life anymore, I mean it's only my LIFE we're talking about here right?!? So I made a conscious decision to cut all of the negativity from my life and to change anything I had complaints about. This whole time, the power to make those negative and stressful parts of my life less so was completely in my control to change and I spent how many years wasting time just bitching about it?!?! So with my new attitude and positive outlook I have made it a point to surround myself with people who are thinking the way I now do, who live their lives positively, inspire and lift others up. I have been overwhelmed with the abundance of people who actually are like this and how amazing it makes you feel!! It makes you want to be amazing and inspiring, supportive and uplifting!!! And I am!! Along with this though I have noticed some people fading more into the background...I am not saying this as in, "we are no longer friends" or "they're negative" or "I can't hang out with them anymore," but I did notice a difference. My only guess is that the idea of misery loving company is true...maybe now that I'm not complaining too, it's annoying to talk to me, I know I often get annoyed by obnoxiously happy people, but there is nothing obnoxious about it, it's simply honest. I would hope that anyone who has noticed any change in me whatsoever would be close enough to me to want to be right there with me. It sounds cliche and easier said than done, I know. But literally once I had it in my head that I was gonna do it, I did it and it was ridiculously simple. If nothing else, I want anyone who is caught in a constant state of complaining to find their way to this change too and I am all for helping them get there. I don't want people to fade because we don't complain together anymore, I want us all to be there for each other and lift each other up GENUINELY!!! No back-handed comments and no secret resentments. Just friends having fun and being happy for the things going on each other's lives. I used to be no stranger to down-playing someone's happiness because truthfully, sometimes it makes you feel "smaller" and wanting more to hear that someone got something you didn't. But then I came to the realization that there is no reason not to be happy for others...AT ALL!!! Have you ever thought about the times you may have deliberately ignored someone else's good news because you were in some way "jealous" of their success?!?! Think about what they got though...did you really want it?!? I don't know about you, but there has been many a time I have heard good news and it is definitely something I am happy for someone else for and glad it's their news and not mine!!! And whether it's something you also wanted or not, still be happy and make it happen for yourself, there is nothing to say that you and someone else both can't have the same happy moments. All I can say is that I am in love with being positive and in love with the high it gives me. Being this way and being with people who share the same energy has opened so many doors for me and it has made my quality of life so much better. I love all of the people in my life, and realize that not everyone is on my same path...doesn't mean you're against me, it simply means that I will strive to do what I can to be a positive person in your life and our relationship will proceed accordingly. You can count on me to be genuine, to lift you up, to be positive and to be supportive. I may not be a complete expert on the whole living positively thing just yet, but I can guarantee that what I do know is enough to rock your world even in the slightest little bit!!! I will do all that I can to share this and all of my fellow empowering friends with you!!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Just for Fun

Just for the fun 'cause I enjoy this kind of crap ;)
Keep in mind that I don't follow astrology and do not live my life by this said crap, I just find it interesting how accurate this stuff can be sometimes. And for the record, this is not the first time I have taken the color quiz and my results are different because of what was appealing to me at the time I took it...just for the fun!!!


Color Quiz



Your Existing Situation

Feeling dissatisfied in her current situation and has a strong desire to escape or find an immediate solution.

Your Stress Sources

"Needs to meet people who have the same high principals and values as himself, but finds the need unfulfilled. her need to feel dominate and superior leaves her feeling isolated and does not allow for her to give freely of himself. she would like to surrender and let go, but sees that as a weakness she must not give in to. Holding back will allow her to stand out for the crowd and earn a higher status, recognized by others as unique and important."

Your Restrained Characteristics


Feels unhappy and isolated because she is unable to succeed in finding the cooperation and understanding she desires.
"Feels she is not receiving her fair share and is unable to rely on anyone for support or sympathy. she keeps her emotions bottled up, leaving her quick to take offense to small things. she tries to make the best of her situation."
"Seeking to broaden her horizons and believes her hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries she may not be able to do the things she wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore her confidence."
"Seeking to broaden her horizons and believes her hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries she may not be able to do the things she wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore her confidence."
"Feels she is not receiving her fair share and is unable to rely on anyone for support or sympathy. she keeps her emotions bottled up, leaving her quick to take offense to small things. she tries to make the best of her situation."

Your Desired Objective

Feels as if her hopes and dreams have been unfairly stomped on by others. Irritated and upset with her current situation which she feels is an insult to her true desires.

Your Actual Problem

His desire to be respected and to stand out from the crowd is not being satisfied and therefore she is feeling anxious. her normal friendly self is being held back and she refuses to become involved or participate with others in normal day to day activities.


Your First Name of: Lindsay

http://www.kabalarians.com/



 
 

Below is a brief analysis of the first name only.



Your first name of Lindsay has made you a friendly, approachable, and generous person.
 
  • Generally you are good-natured, though at times you can be blunt and sarcastic.
     
  • As you are naturally talkative, you find it easy to meet and make friends with many people.
     
  • This name inclines you to be sympathetic and generous to those in difficult or unfortunate circumstances.
     
  • You can be firm, positive, and independent in your own ideas and in reaching your own decisions, yet when it comes to taking action or following things through to completion, you often need encouragement.
     
  • You respond quickly to kind words or any appreciation shown you.
     
  • There are artistic, creative abilities in this name that you could express through music or singing, or, in a practical way, through sewing or interior decorating

  • Although the name Lindsay creates the urge to be creative and original, we point out that is causes frustration through a scattered and emotional nature.


Chinese Zodiac: The Ox

The Ox of Chinese Astrology is no bull in a china shop. Steadfast and solid, this powerful Sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Oxen tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time. The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up. This sturdy sort is less than social by nature and tends to become introverted in a crowd. To make things worse, they can't be bothered with what other people think and prefer to do what makes them feel best. Behind that calm facade, though, lives an Ox who can feel hurt, lonely and unable to connect with others. Friends and family are a great source of comfort to this beast, even if they don't always understand what makes the Ox tick. As a lover, friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable. Out in the world, though, Oxen tend to be stubborn, dogmatic, my-way-or-the-highway kind of people who have no concept of when to back down. Oxen don't care to be pushed, especially since they think they're the good guys of the Chinese Zodiac. There is some truth to that theory, since the Ox is smart, trustworthy, caring and honorable. If you need honest, steady and unbiased advice, call on the Ox. A good lesson for mighty Oxen is to strive to overcome a judgmental nature that keeps them from getting close to others. If they can learn to value their own good qualities, they'll have more room in their hearts to invite others in.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

STOP MAKING THIS MISTAKE PEOPLE!!!!!


As I sit here thinking about the news I heard today of two 12 year olds committing suicide in the last couple weeks, it makes my heart hurt. What's worse is they were friends of my 12 year old niece who is having a seriously hard time coping with it. No 12 year old should have to experience that and no 12 year old should be taking their own life. No one should take their own life, but I guess when you feel like no one loves you and you were picked on and you had no one in your corner, suicide might seem like the only way to relieve the pain. ::Shakes my head:: This is why it is each and every person's duty to do all that you can to make sure the people in your life never feel this way by you...you must do your utmost to make sure that the people you love, know you love them without a doubt. And when you think they're the "bees knees" flippin' tell them!!! They deserve to know. So for those of you who may not know about my tattoo or have read my very first blog about Neverland, this all ties into the meaning behind it. I have a tattoo of 2 stars. They are the second star to the right from Peter Pan, which is how you find your way to Neverland. Not that I think anyone reading this is not familiar with Peter Pan, but to refresh your memory, Neverland is a place where children never have to grow up and most days I absolutely wish this were true. Today included. I wish for a world where children never have to grow and see all of the pain this world sometimes has to offer. Not that all children are exempt from pain, some of them know nothing else, but I wish that we all could have the innocence of children and live in a world where we don't have to face all of the evil things that you come to realize as adults. Living in pain to the point of taking your life is one of them. I have always been fascinated by suicide. Now hold up, before you think I enjoy it or that I am completely morbid, let me explain why. I personally cannot fathom what someone's mindset and feelings could be to get to the point of taking your own life. I've had hard times, but no despair so strong that I would ever think about ending my life. I think life is a horrible thing to waste and that no life should be taken unnecessarily. I also tend to feel a great deal of anger surrounding suicide because usually there are so many factors that contibuted to it, but none so terrible a factor as a fellow human being. To hear that someone was bullied or that people were so cruel as to refuse to befriend them is unbelievable to me and more often than not this is a main reason for suicide. I know not every person in this world will be your cup of tea, but for God's sake there is no reason to shit on people...EVER. NO ONE should ever bully and no one should ever be completely friendless. It really makes me wonder what kind of parents child bullies have or how oblivious parents and teachers must be to see none of this. Or how oblivious we all must be to see someone suffering like this and to not extend a hand in friendship. Like anyone could ever say "Me? Take on a new friend? No thanks, I have enough." I mean I know you can't see and know everything, but I personally find it obvious when two people don't get along or when someone is uncomfortable in someone's presence. You notice the lack of interaction between them or the tension. There just needs to be more attention paid. I had a teacher worry about me in kindergarten beacuse I wasn't interacting with other students. In my case it was just that I was an only child and was used to going out and doing things on my own, but at least she was paying attention. I think parents need to volunteer in their children's class rooms and I think teachers need to do more to bring kids together. I think people need to be asked more often how they are doing and for people to really listen to the answer. I am no child psychologist or anything, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know kids in the elementary school age are at an EXTREMELY impressionable age. They mimic, they imitate and they feed off of everything. Don't you think it'd be a good time to teach them to stop bullying or to simply never start before their brains start to close the incoming feed and run off of the information we already gave them?!? In some cases they may have received great info and they can run with that and be amazing human beings, but this world has no vacancy for more bullies...there is way too much supply of them for a NON-EXISTENT DEMAND. I think there should be "getting to know you" programs. I think there should be ways for kids to learn cool things about each other and see what they have in common rather than how they are different. And that any differences there may be should be shown in a positive way. Like, some bully kid doesn't like some other kid because they think they are different from them and then they find out that they have the same favorite color, and the same favorite movies and they both like dogs...all of a sudden the other person doesn't seem so different. Of if there is a difference then find a creative way to emphasize how that contirbutes to them being a cool person. I know seems too simple or maybe it seems too diffcult since we're not already doing it, but I think it'd work in at least more cases than none. It'd be worth a try. The point is, squash all inclination toward hate when they're young enough to lose such prejudices and reinforce love and acceptance. Never wait to tell someone they're wonderful or they did a great job or that you love them. There's no reason to wait. NONE. Sometimes it's the little things that can make or break and sometimes those little things mean a TON to someone. Never make the mistake of not telling someone how much they are loved and appreciated and never be afraid that you might sound "ridiculous" if you do. I'd rather a kind word roll off someone unappreciative than a horrible comment or lack of attention all together stab someone in the heart. Campaign for Kindness people, Campaign for Kindness. Word.