I don't think I have called myself amazing in my entire life. YEAH for the positive self talk. I think it is amazing that I can do as much as I do if I push myself.

Yes. Definitely! I have had to work very hard for what I am able to get out of life and some days I can't even leave the house, so yeah I AM proud of myself for what I CAN do and try not to beat myself up over what I can't.

I can just hear that teacher on my shoulder now, saying "Emerald66 needs to try harder if she is to reach her full potential."

hey I can relate to that.

I cant say Ive lived life to the fullest either...but I dont really know what "the fullest" means.

I do what I can do, and that's ok.

you're ok too. :)

I must admit I have some "amazing" talents with regards to visual storytelling! When I edit a video, my passion and sense of timing are impeccable.

But, to really "live life to the fullest", I need to PHYSICALLY express love. That means sex. That means exercise, and encouraging another to exercise. Haven't found any takers yet who can keep up with me.

Thanks everybody for your comments! I am really enjoying hearing what people think about this. And to ZAZAS: This is the first time I have ever called myself "amazing" (hee, hee). And To Emerald66: Does that teacher on your shoulder help or make it harder?

A couple of years ago I had an epiphany and realized that I didn't need to try to be someone I wasn't. It's possible to try to be a better person and still be true to my own self. I tried for many years to be more spiritual and only ended up disappointing myself Since I backed away from religion (organized ort) otherwise), I have not changed my conduct or personal code of ethics, but I am not beating myself up about not feeling what I should be feeling. Sorry for the rambling, I'm just trying to say make sure it's really your potential you're trying to live up to and not someone else's idea of who you should be.

I actually am pretty proud of various sections of my life. I have experienced and accomp lished a lot. I had severe attacks of anxiety in the middle of each, but managed through. I had several nervous breakdowns as well. The number of times and severity of falling flat on my face has left me unable to continue to manage any success. I feel like I am in a nursing home looking back on my life even though I am only 48. It sucks, but I can't seem to get back in the saddle and stay upright anymore. So yes, I have lived my life to the fullest, but now I am a train wreck waiting to be cleaned up and put back on the tracks. I'll never be a high speech passenger train or a freight train again, but maybe I can give kiddie rides through the park.

I too had an epiphanie bouquin where I felt I no longer have to do what other people feel I should. That is half of the answer, I truly believe. The other half is believing that you are loved, and you are worthy of love, and you are a good person. For me that's a tough one, but I am pleased to read your comment.

Heidi, I totally understand. Bless you.

just beginning (again) to live my life for me and not to live up to others expectations, but to my own. I have cycled in and out of this stage my entire life. I am happy to just be me, I don't need to go rocky mountian climbing or sky diving to feel fullfillment. I don't always feel fullfilled, but don't think vigorous physical activity is going to change anything.