After dealing with some situations arising from personal experiences this past week, I felt it necessary to write this...

Dear judgmental person,

I know you well. I have been you most of my life - no matter how much I want to deny it. I sometimes find myself slipping back into that person at times but am thankful that I either catch myself, or one of those I'm close to catches me.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I don't hate you. I can completely empathize with who you are but there comes a time where you have to take responsibility for who you have become in life and decide whether or not that is really who you WANT to be.

There is nobody "beneath" you; for any reason. Not one single person was able to choose where they were born, what color they are, what physical features they have, or who their parents are. You cannot judge them for these things ever. If you feel you still HAVE to judge.....then judge them for things they CAN change (or have control over such as personality traits or a really bad hat).

Their worst problems are no different than your worst problems. They may not be identical - but that doesn't matter...it doesn't change the fact that it is a problem for that person.

Also, just because something isn't right for you - it doesn't mean it isn't right for someone else. Accept the fact that people cannot base their lives on what others expect of them. They will never be happy. Is it fair to expect someone to waste their life (no matter how little or how much) to get either yours, their parents', or even society's approval? Fuck no. That is pure misery.

As far as someone's sexuality; why do you care what they are into? Do you think anyone chooses what they are attracted to? I'm convinced that we cannot. Why would you further insult me because I accept them? Why are you so threatened by people who are attracted to different things than you? Why can't you be secure enough with who you are and your own sexuality to just accept others for who they are?

You see, this world doesn't have to be so shitty. We actually choose to let it be this shitty. We choose to do nothing about it. We justify or overlook our own bad habits yet point fingers at everyone else.

Just try something: find two people this month who have had problems that you have encountered and resolved - whether they were resolved solely by you or with help. Just seek them out and offer your help. It doesn't matter if you help them for a few minutes, a few hours, days, weeks.....whatever. Just put a little effort into them. Make them realize that they, like all of us, have problems. Problems that we can't always fix on our own. Sometimes it's because we don't have the skills - other times it's because they either can't recognize them or are too overwhelmed to take them on by themselves. I know you can relate. Every single one of us can. We aren't better than anyone else. You have to keep realizing that.

If you can't find the energy or motivation to help two people, then just try with one. Make sure it's someone who WANTS help....otherwise, your energy will have been wasted.

Again, I hope you realize that I don't hate you....I am just frustrated with your ignorance but I still believe you are worth the energy it took to write this.

If you ever wish to discuss this further, I promise I will put forth the energy and time to discuss it with you.

John