I stumbled on this blog post today from Tara Robinson. It has a great message; I just had to share.
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Last night I stood in the middle of a crowded party, watching all the internet-famous people holding court. As I sipped my beer and had no one to talk to, I found myself feeling like an outsider and thinking (again) that I’m not “there” yet. I’m not as “successful” as I “should” be. Tears of self-pity started to sting my eyes. Suddenly, I was ten years old again, peering into another world where all the popular kids had fun and into which I was never invited. Instinctively, I started walking toward the edge of the room and looked for an empty space along the wall. “Is this spot taken?” I asked the lovely looking woman who was already seated there. After we introduced ourselves, an incredibly rich conversation ensued. It was one of those soul-connecting moments. I felt heard and understood. She seemed to feel the same way. And as we parted, I thought, “Oh! That was the person I was meant to talk to.” My vision of what the experience was supposed to be like cleared. It wasn’t about being the “in-crowd.” It was about being present for the one person.
The Self-Compassion Project 
😉 hummmm…… care if I print this one off and take it with me to the party tonight? timely doesn’t even begin to catch what this one does for my soul. thank you.
Was thinking of you with this one, Doug!
Wanted to give you a follow up to last night Barb…I shared the following on the original blog post you referred to by Tara Robinson…”A friend of mine, directed me to this post yesterday…as I was getting ready to head to my wife’s 35th class reunion (which I did not want to go/ but decided to suck it up and make the best of it. Your blog post put words to much of my anxiety “Suddenly, I was ten years old again, peering into another world where all the popular kids had fun and into which I was never invited…” and gave me hope and a much needed focus: “My vision of what the experience was supposed to be like cleared. It wasn’t about being the “in-crowd.” It was about being present for the one person.” Your blog post came to mind again and again, as I stayed “present” with various people….came home from the event, feeling encouraged, that the fear did not win…I was actually asked to take the class photo..(talk about going from wall flower to center stage) just wanted to tell you thank you….you just never know how God might be using your words on the blog. I know he used them in my life last night in a big way.” DM
ps I appreciate your friendship Barb!