We each contain components which we would rather reject. One of mine feels the deep desire to know the approval of strangers. I do not like this, but it is the truth.

Rather than removing and rejecting the urge, I am choosing to embrace and integrate it, with the hope that it may someday grow into a healthier version of itself. With the help and kindness of friends, I believe this is an attainable goal.

I seek external validation too earnestly because I was taught, incorrectly, that only fools are pleased with themselves. If it does not come from another, if it is only true to you; how can it be agreed upon as 'real'? This idea put me in a position that made it advantageous to try and understand the wants and needs of other people. Which is not, itself, an innoble goal, of course. The major issue that I have with it is that I've widely done so in order to help myself, rather than aiming for the obviously more thoughtful alternative.

Someday my Validation Machine will be addressed by another name, as her function will swing toward kinder things. I look forward to this day. But until then, a plugged-in and needy being, I must, for now, remain.

To my own regret
I've made my bed
It's a shame we met
While I lost my head

Drinking lost it's fun
When my tethers were undone
And I had to reassess a few virtues.

Not that it's all bad,
But for me that's a 'soft pass'.
I hope you, too, address that which would hurt you.

Cheers to you, bitter juice of a bean that's been blasted to grounds!

Perfect for all anniversaries,
From birth to bare bones!

Truth be told; I'd much rather whine

If you ever get the chance

To catch that moment of bliss,

It might-could end next you blink,

So brace your world with a kiss

I'd wager my stake on indefinence, regardless of the claim