by Sheree Rainbolt-Kren
(c) 2004

I recently made a breakthrough in releasing the need to be
appreciated. If you knew what a big deal this is, you would
be impressed. This issue has been the impetus for so many of
my problems in life. I finally threw my hands in the air and
thought:

"YOUR OPINION OF ME IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS. "

There may be a few frail remnants left, but they don't
govern me anymore. I know the truth. I shall never again
look beyond my Source for appreciation or approval. I do not
need it. I am full up with God's appreciation of me. I will
not manipulate my existence only to make myself a pathetic
addict of false idols.

I will not wait for people to appreciate me, thank me, give
me feedback, validate my thoughts, or any other such ego
craving nonsense. It does not matter what anyone thinks of
me. If they love me, I am happy; if they don't, I am also
happy. OMG - the feeling is so freeing. It has taken years
of dedicated practice, and many agonizing moments of, "Why
don't these morons say thank you?" Yes, I had to heal
the thought that people are morons, instead of seeing that
some humans are simply unable to dance with another through
life at any given moment. It's not permanent. It's not my
business.

We can heal the holes in our hearts from the daily gratitude
fix we need. We can see the scores we keep, the grudges we
hold, and the destructive sorrows from many unappreciated
offers. We can release our grasping for a love that did not
come on it's own from an awakened mind.

Bless all the gifts you give and know that you are Loved by
the Highest of Lights, and a clear and visible consciousness
manifesting on the planet now. Live in THAT vibration! When
sincere gratitude from another shines on us, it is
wonderful. But, you will feel the difference in your heart
when you simply allow this to be lovely and not significant
or addictive.

If you stop being kind and loving simply because no one
reflects your good deeds back to you, then rest assured you
have indeed stumbled on another personal lesson for
yourself.

I'm positive I have neglected to say thanks on many
occasions. I'm certain there were many extensions of love
given me that deserved honorable mention. For whatever
reason, many of them deeply troubling, I could not. And, so
I understand finally the trials we all face.

Scatter your light about the planet, and allow the Universe
to hose it in as needed. No need to look back to see the
struggling sprouts and grateful blossoms. Know, without
proof, that no extension of a loving heart is ever wasted.
Kindness always grows something.

Love,Sheree