Hard day

I know, I bring upon myself my own grief, pain, and disappointment!

When I first started telling everyone that I was offered a new job, it was in Orlando and of my impending move.....they would say, "Wow, why not change everything in your life!".  

Now that I only have a few days left in Kansas City.  A place that I have truly learned to love in the past 2 years.  My blog name is "change is the only constant" so I need to learn from my blog!  LOL  

Let me list the changes, large and small:

Came out as a gay man over 2 years ago

No longer have a calling in the church

Gave up membership in the church

Moved out of my house I lived in for a handful of years

No longer garden (hobby)

Write more now than I ever had in my life

Kept a journal for 2 years, more than I have done in all my past existence

Send my 19 year old son to Mexico City for 2 years

Getting a divorce

Starting a new relationship, with a man

Moved a couple months ago

Got a new job

Daughter is graduating from high school

Leaving my children in KC

Leaving behind so many old/new friends

Left a wonderful job at JCCC

Not participating in Scouting because of who I am

Cut back on cooking (one of the stress relievers that I have)

Lost weight, changing wardrobes

No longer teach at church

I pray more than I did before

I am more honest with myself

Started a blog

Became an (informal) leader with John in our gay dads group

Go to counseling

Gave up the Spirit (according to the church)

Am in love (not lust, like so many believe)

Know who some true friends are, they manifested themselves through many of these changes

More sensitive and vocal about bullying

I am a bit emotional today.  I guess I need to allow myself that emotion at times.  Good to feel, but hard when it continues on for too long.  I recognize that I am just at the starting point of the change in moving cities and my job.  I need to remind myself that I need to grieve about each of the changes above that was a loss.  Move through them in a healthy mature way, not lashing out in anger and confusion.  Keep going Chris......it has gotten better!

Heart strings

So I have been getting everything ironed out for Paisley to go to prom tonight.  I probably get overly involved and drive her nuts.  If you follow me on facebook, you know that we went dress shopping, shoe shopping and logistic planning for tonight.  Her next event is graduation and I am cooking as much as I can to prepare for the event before I leave next week.

After taking the obligatory photos with everyone (almost a group of 20 kids), they were spirited away in a Hummer Limo.  She sent me a text saying, "Thank you daddy!"

I do not hear those words very often, and today it hit me hard!  I love my little girl!  I cannot believe that she has grown into a marvelous young lady.  She has some rough edges about her, but those she inherited.  She has stubborn parents....she got 2 doses.  She is delightful to be around.  She is learning her way in decisions and choices that she is making right now.  I am proud to be called her daddy!

Thank you for 18 wonderful years, Paisley.  Rachel and I thought she would be the death of us in her first few years of existence.  Paisley did not want to do anything the easy way, did not conform to the ordinary, and plowed her own way through these years.  I am happy to say, I like what I see.  She will make it.  She just needs us as expert advisers, occasionally.

I am sure this experience will happen again and again......just needed to record this one!

Magnanimous

Number 26

Do you know any magnanimous people?  By this I mean, are there individuals in your life that feel like nobility, larger than life......given their "supposed status"....they attempt to influence things for their benefit only?  I have encountered a few of these people in my life and they are the most difficult people to associate with!

I find that these individuals are extremely self-centered, focused on their possessions and always want to be obeyed (level of rightness).  Here is what I have done to adapt to these individuals, and not to allow them to take over my presence and influence my actions:

1)  Just listen to them, listen to them with great attention....they feel validated
2)  Do not become a close friend to them, hold them at a healthy distance
3)  Give them positive feedback as often as you can....again they look for validation
4)  Challenge their need to be obeyed, or always right.  Show them that you have rightness according to your standards and things can work within both frameworks
5)  Encourage them to see things from another viewpoint.
6)  Love them, they are insecure.

It has taken a while for me to get to this point with these individuals.  They are misunderstood and just need love.  I hope with all of the changes that I have recently experienced in life and those that are coming....that I will be able to follow my own guidance.  Putting things into practice is the hardest thing to do!

Friends

Number 27

I have not fully recognized the importance of friends over these past 2 years, I think I have taken for granted their love and support.  I have gained some phenomenal friends recently and need to stop and say a few things about them.....and how hard it was to have strong friends in the past.

When I was growing up I usually had a group of friends that I would hang out with.  One or two were REALLY close.  The type of close that you could finish each others' sentences, know what was on each others' mind, and react exactly the same given most situations.  Those couple of people know who they are.  I still hold them in high regard and respect their love, support and kindness.

There have been others in college and beyond that are similar to those first few.  I will mention a few that have had significant impact on my life during that period.......Winston, Rachel, Robert, Rachelle, Carl, Matt, Rich, Miles, Gigi, John, gay dads group.

I have had a hard time connecting personally and intimately with people because it take so much time and energy to keep up close relationships.  So in an effort to conserve personal energy my close friends have been few.  Plus there are always those times (one anticipates) that a each person may move on.  I have kept myself guarded and closed off to many for these very reasons.  Those of us that are introverts know what I speak of....few deep friends, but those friends are extremely connected to you and have a lifelong influence on you.

My list above is quite short since leaving my boyhood home.  Winston was someone that was everyone's friend.  He was helpful in encouraging me through my college years.  Rachel I have known for 35 years.  She knows me better than most and we have had many wonderful years of experience together.  Robert was my first friend/mentor professionally.  We still chat, he is a wonderful influence on my life.  Rachelle and Carl were both there for me in Texas...professionally and religiously.  Rachelle is fun and energetic, Carl is practical and grounded.

Matt was/is a wonderful friend and helped me become a better parent.  He was a great listener.  Rich helped me become a better leader.  He encouraged me to be more independent and my own individual.  Miles and Gigi helped me out in my transition, both in their own individual way.  I appreciate and will never forget their influence.  Reflecting last night made me realize that most of these influences have gotten me to where I am, characteristics that were acquired or fostered while interacting with these individuals has helped me immensely.

The gay dads group that I am part of meet (officially) twice a month.  There are also many other occasions where we plan something at the spur of the moment to feel the strength we have as a group.  These have been special occasions.  We can speak freely, we know so much about each other, there is love and compassion present, and there are true friendships built!  I have never been connected as deeply to a group of individuals as I am to these men.  I never thought it possible to have deep feelings for men.....before I kept myself guarded so that I would not make myself vulnerable in any way.  Now most of those vulnerabilities and insecurities are gone.  It is truly relieving!

John is part of the the dads group, a friend, partner and confidant.  I am grateful to have him as part of my life.  I can share with him.....everything in my mind.  There are parts of my soul that have been dormant for decades, that only he has seen.  I do not fear sharing anything with him....he understands completely and honestly!  This is what I need at this point in my life to survive, subsist and progress.

Thank you all be being such wonderful friends.

 

I think it is helping

Number 27

I have had numerous people come to me, call me, message me, email me regarding my blog.....they have all had very positive things to say about one post or another.  Here are a few of the comments:



Your blog helps me understand my brother, who is gay.....this is a start....thank you.

Have you thought of writing a book to help other LDS individuals that are in your situation?

My cousin committed suicide because he was gay.....I wish I could have been there for him....your blog helps me understand more or what he was experiencing.

You are brave.

Thank you for enlightening me on your situation.....I would have never of understood your situation living so far removed from you.

Thank you for your honesty, many people can't be that honest.

My husband was going through the same thing and I totally treated him like crap.  I never reached out to understand all that he was going through, I permanently lost that relationship.

I wish I would have been more compassionate to my daughter....thought tough love would solve the problem, it just made it worse.

I never knew all of those things that happened in high school, I was blind.  I wish I could have helped back then. 



I am gratified that it seems I am helping a few people.  I wish there was a more broad audience that I could impact.  I think eventually there will be a venue that will fit my delivery style and purpose.....one day.  Each one of these comments bring such emotion for me.  I sit here in a recessed corner of a coffee shop hoping that the strangers sitting next to me do not sense the overwhelming sense of emotion that I feel.  They would not understand unless I could explain why.

I am continuing to write.  I do have ideas of broadening the scope of what I do....there is so much change going on in my life right now that I will need to take a hiatis from those plans for a bit. 

I want to express to the reader that I do apprecitate your kindness, thoughtfulness, and honesty also.  This certainly is theraputic for me, I hope it helps you in the grand scheme of things too.  I *heart* you.

Bullying part trois......

Number 26

I friend texted me after my previous post and indicated that many times the person that is labeled as the “bully” usually has some bigger problems going on in their lives.  At times they bully to overcompensate for the uncertainty and chaos in their own lives.  There might be abuse, alcoholism, drug use, or disregard from them within their own households.  Their way to garner attention and “take control” of their own situations is to make others’ lives more difficult. 

Many of the problems related to bullying are systemic on a society and disregards expression,  honesty, and real conversations…….and the way to adapt to these failings are to self-medicate, self-diagnose, and/or make others’ miserable.  If something happens to an individual silence is the most used solution.  Each individual has status, moral structure, or associations that they must keep active in their lives.  The best way to secure these supporting factors is to be quiet. 

Separating myself from past constructs has helped me be more aware of my social environ.  I speak up more (much to some people’s dismay), I express how I feel (even though it may be honest and hurtful), I also listen better.  I am attempting to extinguish my bitterness so that I am not too quick to judge and dismiss the situations and people that may be in need.  I am gratified by this increased self-awareness.  Also, to be fair to the bully….to recognize that there might be something that is amiss in their lives that they need assistance in overcoming. 

Many people do not recognize that their words and actions are excruciatingly hurtful.  Not sure how each person can be self-aware enough to see this impact.  I remember sitting in my room when I was 16.  Listening to my “medicating” music…..contemplating who I should include in my suicide note……that way my bullies would know exactly how harmful they were to me.  I am sure there are many who do follow through with their plans that contemplate the same thing! 

How can each of these individual scenarios be rectified? 

1)       People need to speak up

2)      All parties involved need to come together to mediate differences

3)      Solutions need to be agreed upon and a better plan set forth

4)      Each person needs to recognize that “weakness” is alright and to seek out help is appropriate

5)      Of course general societal attitudes need to adjust

I do see more people attempting to reach out, speak up and to get help.  This seems like a grass-roots effort to positively affect change……but to me it is too insignificant.  The unfortunate thing is that the divide between the “haves” and “have nots” is becoming wider…..the “haves” become so focused on status, belongings, and personal impression that the above list would be immediately disregarded as foolishness. 

I will continue to advocate for change because the victims are so varied and in need.

More on Bullying

Number 25

I had an interesting talk with one of my sons and his best friend a couple of days ago.  My sons friend said, "Mr. Christensen, Tom (name changed) is being mean to me and is calling me mean names.  Tom is a year older than these boys.  He called my sons' friend gay, weak, a pansy, and stupid.  That this young boy needed counselling for his flaws.  I instructed both boys to not associate with Tom, to do activities where Tom is not.  Tom is angry and a bully and needs to be ignored.  I also asked the boy to talk to his dad and see what he would suggest.

All these boys live in the same neighborhood.  I do not live in this neighborhood anymore.  I asked Rachel to talk to the needed interested parties to rectify the bullying problem.  I will make sure that this loop get closed and complete.  Kids today need as must love and support as possible.  Bullying behavior needs to stop.  These boys came to me, we had a good conversation about it.  They trust us adults to help.  I am gratified that we are giving this opportunity to help.

I remember when I was experiencing some of the similar name calling and bullying....I did not know who to turn to.  Most adults were distant, not as caring, and had a "just deal with it" attitude.  It seemed that there would be no recourse for the bullies back then.  That is why it is SO important to abhor behavior like this and correct it immediately.  These type of negative interactions can have lasting influence on an individual.  It needs to stop.

This next part is to show the differences in generational attitudes.....this is NOT to disparage the people involved.

I remember when I was at the point in my life 18 months ago....fragile, unsure, exhausted, shamed, unstable, and frightful.  I was speaking with my parents about all the things that have gone on in my life, being brutally honest.  The response I got from my father was, "We all get hurt and have been abused in our lives....you just learn to deal with it and get over it."  I know that this was not meant as hurtful or uncaring.....this is merely the method that my father had used to adapt to his situations.  I, on the other hand, will not keep quiet, will express my continually, and address each issue as needed.

I believe that because of the "deal with it" attitude that has been prevalent in society for decades has fostered the secretiveness of abuse, bullying, and hateful acts against individuals in less fortunate circumstances.  That is why we see in the news people coming forward against these type of acts.  Bullying and hate crimes take center stage because they are unacceptable acts.  People feel that they have a voice (or are getting one) and there won't be as much retaliation as before.  Generation Y is standing up for injustices that have been ignored.  My parents generation (generally) have not addressed these "under-ground" activities.

Back to my son and his friend.......the boys were asking for help and we as adults MUST help them.  This will ensure that they trust us and the "system" and will continue to reach out for help in future instances.  I am so grateful to be here for them and hope that they will continue to trust.  Wake up parents....listen and react in healthy ways to foster a safe place for all.

Free Agency

Number 24

Free Agency......something I have been thinking about for years.  I have spoken to a few people about my thoughts, people that would not jump down my throat the minute I started articulating my view on this "LDS related topic".  Here it goes......

According to LDS doctrine, practice and lore.......the individual is free to choice liberty and eternal life according to God's plan.....or to choose captivity and death which is Satan's plan.  Adam and Eve "falling out of God's presence" when in the garden, made it possible for each individual to have the ability to choose.  Now the LDS faith has defined (through scripture and prophets) those "liberty-like" choices that people are to make in order to return to God's presence.  The principles to choose are set for for all to adhere to.  If the individual does not adhere to those specific principles, there are consequences, worldly and/or heavenly.

Now the tough question.......Does the existence of the principles themselves create a structure that freedom of choice is not really an option?  Only following and adhering to said principles are acceptable.....which in essence takes away freedom of choice, freedom of thought, and only promotes compulsion.

I am not trying to paint the church's practice in a bad light.....I am truly trying to understand this doctrine, even as it pertains to someone outside the church.

********************************************************

Here is a talk with E. Christofferson about Moral Agency that  friend directed me to:  http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=10871

Blame

Number 23

At some point we each need to take responsibility for what we are doing and where we find ourselves in life.  No one else placed us here......exactly at this place and time.....we each have made decisions that lead us to where we are.  The HARD part is to accept responsibility, acknowledge ones placement, and celebrate that space and time.  Here are a few examples of what I mean:

1)  I continue to struggle (although it is lessening) that the institution of church got me into the mess.  There was no way to come out in a closed institutional structure without excruciating pain and anguish for the individual.  I was not ready or willing at the time to come out in my teens or twenties.  I did the "normal" thing....married and had children.  Part of me accepting responsibility is acknowledging what I did have in those years.  Wonderful children, great associations with good people, and a good work ethic.  Those are the things that I have to continually focus on....sometimes I get down, blame, have inordinate amounts of guilt and transfer that responsibility to others.  I cannot and should not do that any more.  I am responsible for where I am, who I am with and those lives I affect (positive or negative).

My suggestion to those reading..........TAKE responsibility!

2) I have learned this next lesson in the workforce.  Do not allow the choices of others determine your attitude, mood and personal condition.  At times we are reliant on others to perform certain tasks.  We rely on their skills set, knowledge and expertise.  If any one of those characteristics are lacking, your expectations will not be met.  This problem may persist and continually be present in your life.....but what can YOU do to not allow this imperfect system to bring you down.  One very influential person in my life continues to say that "it is outside my ability to control, I need to let it go".  Part of that letting go is to not let the situation or persons take over your thoughts and feelings.

My suggestion to the reader........TAKE control of your reactions and interaction.

3)  I have learned the next lesson most recently.  There are certain people in your lives that are unpredictable, unreliable and unfair.  These people live blindly to number 1 & 2 above.....then they get to number 3  and its set of circumstances.  These people live to make others miserable.  They blame others, never taking responsibility for anything and demand sympathy in their dire situation.  These type of people allow others to make or break their mood cycle.  These type of people are not in control.  These people are self-righteous, thinking that they are right and justified in ever thing they do.....they are the ultimate victim.  Before I go any further and since I was in a previous relationship....Rachel is NOT one of these people.  There are others that have manifested themselves in my life that are truly caustic.  The unfortunate thing is that since they are blameless, the victim and self-righteous.....these people will automatically say "I am not one of these people"!

My suggestion to the reader........EXTRACT these type of people from your life.  They are there to only create unnecessary DRAMA!

I am trying to follow my own guidance.  I am letting go of the blame and taking responsibility and control of my situation.  I am removing caustic people from my life and not allowing them to have such a negative affect in my life.  I have a lot to celebrate.  I hope that I can keep on keeping on.

Group

Number 22

I attended my gay dads group last night.  It was a wonderful experience of sharing, caring and support.  I really enjoy the men that I have grown close to and the stories we have shared.  I hope that I can make it again sometime again in the future.  With me moving it will become difficult to see these fine men again.

In this group we talk about guilt, shame, celebration, relationships, health, support, love, regret, loneliness, hurt, anger, sorrow, religion, divorce, marriage, happiness, and a myriad of other topics.  The rules are confidentiality and to be respectful of others.  There was a dozen men there last night and it was an exceptional meeting.

I am most impressed with the openness of everyone, their ability be non-judgmental, and their appreciation of differences.  I came into the group with tons of baggage.  What I found is that their were some men with similar traits and experiences that could empathize, love and encourage.  I am deeply grateful for each of these men and the positive influence they have had on my life and John's.

Some weeks there may be a new man at group to scope things out.....try to find a fit and help.  Sometimes they keep coming, sometimes we never see them again.  I am gratified to see those that return.  I enjoy seeing their journey and reaping from their own feelings and experiences.  I am also saddened by those that I never see again.  I think of the guilt, anger, rage, loneliness, thoughts of ending ones life that I experienced and think that these men might be similar.  It angers me that their situation, society and homophobia has given them a sense of hopelessness.  It is NOT a place I want to frequent ever again.....and wish that others did not have to trod that same path.

People need to have more compassion about them, so people that find themselves in difficult situations like mine are not driven to suicide.  Weekly I read of someone that has taken their life from being bullied, belittled and/or mocked.  It is a shame that death is an option considered and taken.  Instead....the solution is to fix these "unnatural" feelings.  To deny people honest feelings and expression.....to repress, condone, abhor, close the feelings of the individual for "normal expectations".  The system is messed up.....I for one an tired of it and will continue to advocate for change!

Abandonment

Number 21

This will be a touchy subject all around.....hope I can express myself thoroughly enough to make my point.  There have been many times I have felt abandoned in my journey through life.  I remember once when I was left at the store when I was young....I can look back on that one and laugh.  My parents had 10 children......many competing interests.....it is a wonder I was not left places more often!  LOL 

I felt abandoned when I was entered middle school.  It was change that I do not think I was ready for, mature enough to accept and so many classes.  I did not feel prepared for that experience, and felt like I was dropped of and expected to find my own way through things with NO guide.  It was an awkward time in my life, as with most children at that age.  I remember friendships realigning and more definitive boundaries being created.  I do not look back on these years fondly....bullying started, unfeeling teachers surrounded me, and my self concept began to deteriorate.

I felt abandoned my freshman and sophomore years of high shcool because the bullying took center stage.  I felt helpless, hopeless and infuriated.  Friends helped the situation....my mother was my compass.....I survived.  The bullying was personal, situational and institutional.  I have shared many of those instances in prior posts.  

Most recently I have felt that religion abandoned me.  I do not mean God.  I mean religion.  I had inklings of this abandonment in high school when the Bishop would pull me into his office and ask me about my "sins" that I was purported to have committed.  The last handful of years, I have tried to "pray the gay away".  By that I mean I was to read my scriptures faithfully, pray to God, be obedient, and serve faithfully and all my problems would be resolved.  I endured long enough (I think).....to find out that this formula did not work.  What I have found is that more and more people have put that formula to practice and it did not work for them either.  It makes me wonder how many other people are conducting the same experience, not finding resolution, but continue to endure?  Did religion abandon me.....or did I simply abandon it? 

I do hear people remark that I took the "easy" way out.  It is hard to hear that because the unfeeling person that makes a comment like that does not realize the amount of things I have given up (social network, friends, acquaintance, organizations, family).  I do feel abandoned but many because of my separation from Rachel, the church and family/friends.  Not sure there is much I can do to improve that.  I do know that my children and Rachel had feelings of abandonment.  Some choose to talk about it others do not. 

My hope is that future situations allow me and those around me to not feel so abandoned.  I am working through that in many ways and I am not sure if I will ever attain that.  Here is hoping......

Dance dance

Number 20

Ok.....so those who know me....know I LOVE to DANCE.  Don't know when it started, know I have always enjoyed it!  In fact the first time John and I went dancing.....he took one look at me and said, "now how do people not know you are gay?"  I took it as a compliment and we joke about it all the time.  In fact the quote on my facebook account as my favorite is, "has the soul of a dancer and the body of a guy who hoards old newspapers."  (some people at work had fun with that one at my expense!)

I think you get the picture that I enjoy dancing.  Recently, we have been invited to go dancing at two nice establishments.  Both serve their clientele well (I am certain they meet their niche's needs)  In both instances I would have felt more comfortable being there with a woman.....and not coupled with John.  Interesting observation and realization on many levels.

Here are a list of the levels:  heterosexual environment, newness of homosexual environment, social norm, my new norm, and the dating scene.

Having been an active participant (sometimes unwilling) in the majority heterosexual environment, I see that it is dominate, prevalent, and ALWAYS present.....in every situation.  The ability to show affection, how close you can sit to one another, the acceptance of men and women dancing together.....or even 2 women.....throw 2 men in there and that is just STRANGE!  When I say affection, just placing my hand on John's knee is life altering (in a negative way) for many onlookers.  Many guys if with another guy, sit across the table from each other.  If you sit next to or adjacent to each other, with no one else there....it is just weird!  I see many an eyebrow raised with just these rather insignificant situations.  Heterosexual people do not have to worry about this and no one ever questions the motivation or intent.

If you read my previous thread on "Here is what I hear" gender should not matter in these situations.  People want to feel love, acceptance, joy, to be heard, fulfillment.....etc....  These type of interactions should be more acceptable on a broad scope.  Instead......what do I do......I SEEK for places that are more accepting of my life and love.  That is a shame.

Being introduced and acclimated to my new normal, I do seek for homogeneous places that allow for acceptance and non-judgment.  I have to admit that these places aren't always the most innocent of establishments.....but they are inclusive of who I am.  Sometimes when I am at these places, I want the heteros to go away.....they are intruding on my turf now.  I want them out of my area, since I am not too welcomed in their areas.  I know that I am treating them the way I feel I am treated and I need to get better at dismissing my prejudices.....because this "societal" relationship is a 2 way street.

At all establishments, whether gay or straight, are meat markets.  One establishment was for the 50 and older crowd.  Single men and women, having fun and attempting to hook up.  John and I felt VERY out of place.  There was a GREAT band playing that night, but there is just this vibe that expressing who I am in this environment would have not been a good thing.  We went with some adorable friends, they did have fun and they did understand our hesitancy.   Another establishments we went to recently (I had been to before in my acceptable heterosexual days) felt even stranger.  I felt like I could receive bodily harm from other males that were there. 

One example was 3 of us got up to dance (all males).  Mostly women were on the dance floor.  When the 3 of us got out there......I saw an immediate reaction from a group of people.  One guy came straight out and began dancing with the women right behind me, mimicking what I was doing and brushing up against my back.  I could sense his mockery and disdain for who we were.  His antics lasted maybe a minute, then he went back and giggled with his straight, entitled, fake friends.  I saw him on the dance floor one song later touching his dance partner VERY inappropriately.....I guess that is acceptable and me dancing with a couple of guys is not.  Very disheartening.

I am not saying that the gay, dancing, dating scene is any better.....but we have to be sequestered in exclusive establishments for our meat market gyrations to happen.  My observation of both type of places is that there are not too many healthy things going on, un-fulfilling conversations, lots of alcohol, everyone is looking for one thing....the hookup.  The hookup for both types of lifestyles are riddled with risk.....STD, HIV, rape, etc....no one is immune.  Again you can take gender out of this part of the relationship game also.....because it is not an indicator with meaning. 

I still love to dance.....will attempt to find places that I can go and not feel so excluded and fearful.  I do know that relationship are complex animals, with lots of potential.  Again, take the gender out of it.......what do you want in that intimate relationship that you have?  Do everything you can to improve it.....talk about it, be honest, give and take.......and dance a little!  ;-)

Poignant message

So I did not think this would happen,  but I am proud of some BYU students!  Bravery, courage, and love is shared in this video:

http://farbetweenmovie.com/it-gets-better-at-byu/

I am gratified to know that BYU has policies helping LGBTQ students.  Something one of the interviewees stated was that she thought everyone attending BYU was homophobic......she found that untrue.  I am happy that these students have found a place within their larger universe.  Many of us have to do that regardless of the situations or characteristics that make us who we are. 

My children give me hope.......this message also truly gives me some HOPE!

Here is what I hear......

Number 19

I have been waiting to write this one until I felt it time.....its time!

Myth:  Being gay is ALL about sex!

I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard this statement, or some similar iteration of it.  The number of emotions I have felt when I heard this statement is all over the board.....anger, guilt, frustration, misunderstanding,  rage, disappointment, humiliation (just to name a few).  These emotions change based on the person stating this also.

Some of this mis-perceptions are self imposed by the gay community....by the actions of some, by stereotypes, by self fulfilling roles.  Other mis-perceptions are based on judgment, unfeeling, unknowing individuals that think it is sinful and degrading to the individual.

Step back and take gender off of relationships for a few minutes.  What does a person look for in a relationship?  Love, understanding, compassion, to be listened to, intimacy (sexual and/or closeness), empathy, concern, to serve, to be served, gentleness, honesty, trust, validation, partner......the list is endless.  I think you get the point!  Ponder what things make the relationship you are in.  Are there things that you would add or take away from that current relationship?  Are there other things that you would put on the list?

Now add gender back into the mix.  EACH one of us are looking for those qualities in a personal, intimate relationship.  What role does gender play in that?  I was instructed, told, compelled to live a certain way due to social/religious norms.  I did have many of those qualities in that relationship.....but there were some gaping holes.  That is NOT to blame the individual that was in the relationship with me.  It was due to a certain dissonance that was there because of unspoken, un-allowable, unlawful desires.....but according to an external force.

I cannot help or control the way I feel.  I tried for too long and almost annihilated myself.

Now I can make a more complete, fulfilling decision to find more of those things that help a relationship flourish for me.  I know this is not for everyone.  Many may disagree with me.  I am in a relationship that more fits who I am, without continual self-destruction.  I have said this time and time again....I am finally whole in my center.  It is amazing to be here!  Being gay is about forming relationships that are healthy, encouraging, loving and supportive.

Ima pleazzer!

Number Umpteen???

Since my earliest recollections I have always tried to make people happy, attempt to be liked, and to please others beyond a healthy medium.  Maybe birth order has something to do with it....being in the middle brings out the need to please.....maybe sexual abuse influenced this.....maybe my internal conflict I have hidden for decades about being gay has contributed.

Those that have served with me, volunteered, or know me in any way.....know that I will get the job done, effectively and efficiently.  I do see myself as reliable when it comes to accomplishing a task, planning an event or completing work.  I am starting to realize that most of the internal motivation to complete things it my need to please people and to get their approval. 

Last night this dysfunctional characteristic reared its ugly head.  I feel SOOOO responsible for things that I need to make sure that any concern, question or need is met.  John was looking for something and he was making statements.....not to alert me, not to put me on notice, not to ask for anything solution from me....just making statements.  Fairly benign statements.....that I immediately internalized and was thinking of solution.  "What could I have do different to not bring up these type of statements?"  "What solution could I provide?"  "Where did I put that?"

These type of questions go through my mind instantaneously!  I have conditioned myself to this "unhealthy" reaction.  I have been this way forever.  I tried to please my parents.  I tried to please my friends.  I tried to please church leaders.  I tried to please those I had relations with?  I tried to please too many people with too many needs with too many competing interests.  Well I broke last night.....I settled only after I realized that I have been this way, and now need to learn how to control it.  It is affecting my health and relationships. 

My new mantra:

I can only be responsible for myself and those few that I have stewardship for.  Everyone else is on their own!  :) 

I say that, and know that I will reach a happy medium at some point.  It has been enlightening to finally realize this, and accept it.  Now I need to put it into action.  I am glad I have someone close that understands these nuances and is willing to help me become a better person.  Thank you John G!

Stop it!

Over the weekend was the Mormon faithful General Conference.....feast of sorts.  One quote and talk that I listened to and am gratified was said over the pulpit was from Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  He said the following:

"When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm — please apply the following: Stop it!"

More truer words could not have been said.  This means so much to one who is no longer part of the mainstream of the LDS church.  There are people that are judgmental and hurtful (at church or anywhere in each of our experiences).  One experience I will share to show the meaning this has for me...not necessarily to dually condemn those around this person.  I do still attend church with my children, 2 or 3 times a month.  I do and did have some wonderful associations there with people I loved and respected.  The majority of those associations have gone away.  Those that have been the most meaningful are still there and I appreciate those that have reached out and let me know that they are still thinking of me, I see that more now than any times in the past 16 months.

When I do attend church there is one person in particular, who I know very well and served with this person in a specific capacity.  I see the disdain, judgment and condemnation from this person just passing them in the hall or when I go to my seat in the main sacrament meeting.  I thought once that I would send this person an anonymous note to tell them what I thought about their actions and judgment.....in my fit of anger.....I wrote the letter......but I never sent it.

Now to generalize (not to focus on religion, but the human condition).  These type of people are all over in my life.  Not just in one isolated space.  So how do I deal with these type of interactions in a healthy way.  Believe me, I would like to write multiple letters....not all of them are on religion or sexual preference.....these letters could be written for people at work, volunteer groups, family, friends, etc...

What would I want the message to say that I would write these people?

"When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm — please apply the following: Stop it!"

Plain and simple.  Great message.  I do not know what is going on in any given persons life that would give me pause to pass judgment......I am as guilty as the next person.  I need to improve and exemplify this type of behavior.  IT IS HARD TO DO!  Hopefully, I will get better......and those around me will see a difference.