Worth

Introduction

I took a selfie wearing a favourite shirt for a poem/playlist that I wrote which you can check out here:

I thought I would use the picture for my Facebook Avatar, and yes, you expect a few likes, but at the moment they are at sixty, and that got me thinking, possibly spurred on by a quote from Ozzy Osbourne, who we just lost.

The music is Bob Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece" by The Band, because I do believe that one day I will create one, one way or another.

Worth

I was really surprised at the responses to my picture. My immediate thought was that they must like my shirt, and there are people on there who are not even Facebook friends. My Facebook is open, with a few who are blocked, so they don't bother me.

I immediately think there must be some other reason than me for why people liked the picture. I don't see myself as anything other than mundane and ordinary, but the reason for that is I am with myself twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and I can't take any time off from that unless I go to sleep.

I don't think I look good, feel I am too fat and unfit, but others tell me different. I know women see qualities in men that men generally don't. Although I have several gay and trans friends who I think always look wonderful. I see beauty in people's character and try to avoid people who are hurtful to others.

That is the same for everyone, and because of that, we see, and often focus on, what we see as our faults. When others see us, ninety-nine per cent of the time, they see the good in us. Because of our focus on our bad points, ninety-nine people can compliment us, but we focus on the one who criticises us, whether it is justified or not. What we need to do is focus on the ninety-nine.

Constructive criticism is fine and useful, but the "You're rubbish, and your writing is not very good" without any suggestions for improvement is just hurtful.

I do have people whom I can trust with my heart, and I know every good thing they say about me is very well meant, and that always raises my spirits. I obviously can't name names, but they will know who they are.

It's not always easy, but we have to believe in ourselves, and there are often lots of people there to support us, and we should always reciprocate when we can. It's like gifting. Getting a gift is nice, but giving one feels just as good when you know it's appreciated, and compliments work the same way and do not cost anything. Appreciate the compliments you get. I always do, even if I blush sometimes.

Seeing all the hearts and likes on the photograph really raised my spirits. The hearts and thumbs were all compliments, and I have taken them on board, and I always will do.

In Conclusion

While I don't think a photograph of me is likely to get a similar reaction any time soon, I will keep posting when I can, mainly via Instagram, and even when you get one like, it makes you feel appreciated.

If you have got this far through this confessional, thank you so much for reading, and you have my full appreciation.

Grammarly is telling me there are lots of things wrong with this that I can find out about if I pay, but I think it reads fine, and I am sure you are ok with it too.

Thank you once more, my wonderful supportive friend.