Being authentic in this blog is my ultimate goal as is being authentic in real life situations. Its in my whole soul to be nothing but honest, and honestly expressing the way I view something, meaning its honestly how I feel in that very moment. It hurts when your honesty and beliefs are called into question, and I guess in a way it also engages you to really put some thought into what it is that you do believe. Are the questions directed towards you a result of how you are projecting or a result of the insecurities of the person directing the questions at you? In the past I have been guilty of taking others points of view and not challenging that point of view in order to "keep the peace". It is really quite a contrast when I choose to be vocal and express a different viewpoint and that viewpoint is not readily accepted. It is so difficult to stand in that place, that place where you are not appreciated for making the other person think about and be responsible for the things they are bringing to the conversation. I know at times I raise my voice and get heated when I am debating an issue, especially when I am feeling attacked, and I also know that when the conversation goes there, its probably best to let things cool down, cause at that point nothing is going through, either side. I guess my question that I am posing to you all is how can there be an "and" here instead of an "or"? I do not like conflict or how it makes my insides hurt, but I also have a right to be able to learn and grow and develop as I choose, and not be ridiculed or shamed for it. Even if the way I choose to learn and grow are not accepted by others, it is still my right to choose.
