Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Day 5? 6?

Dear Elliott,
I am so amazed at how giving you are. To know that you'd move to New Hampshire so we could be close to my family for awhile really warms my heart. You are so awesome. I love you!

xoxo
Angela

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Progress Report 1/18

I'm so glad we're friends in Korea! I couldn't imagine this experience without you. There are so many things I love about you it's hard to even remember the few vices we all have and struggle with. If there's anything you need, know that I'm only a crazy Korean bus ride away. You're the best! Stay that way! -Ann

I want to recognize you for Girl's Night last night. I noticed that there was little to no complaining about Elliot. In fact, you praised him and yourself for the progress you two have seen in each other over the last few days. I'm so happy to hear those things and, of course, all the poop details. -Kristen

Monday, January 17, 2011

Dear Mom:

When I look on Facebook and see that Morgan has denied my friend request, I now know that you and Krystal have something in common. If I don't give you what you want, you slander me to whomever will listen. I'm sure that Brook and Morgan now think the worse of me. I'm sure you have bitched about me to Viki and Tom. Maybe the kids should start talking about you the way you talk about them. You would think that after losing your own siblings, you would try to be the peace keeper for your children and help fix these broken relationships but instead, you seem to encourage these burned bridges.

There is no secret that I have a horrible relationship with my mother. And that I had a horrible friendship with my former best friend, Krystal. My mother has been hurting me for 25 years and today, I am going to let it go. Mostly because a) I'm better than this drama and b) I realized that I had been given a second chance with parents.

Dave and Lisa are the best parents I could ever ask for. They are extremely supportive and although we have different views about life, I feel like I could go to them for anything. I am really happy that I met them when I was 17 because I feel like we have a much stronger relationship and they only got the tail-end of my bratty self. However, they do realize that I'm a complainer but love me all the same. They just want me to be happy. I didn't know if I would grow to love them or just like them a lot. But I love them very much. It is nice to finally love and like your parents.

As for my biological mother, maybe one day we will grow to be civil but my life is too short to spend it fighting with her all the time. Obviously we can't find a middle ground so it is best to keep some distance. I really don't need to fight with someone when I live on another continent and a day ahead of them.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Day Three

Dear Elliott,

Thank you for realizing that I can't change overnight and that I'm trying. Breakfast was delicious! And past 3 days have been really good.

Love,
Angela

Friday, January 14, 2011

Day One

Dear Elliott,

Thank you for the 1,000 won this morning so I could buy some water for work. You are helping me make sure that my body is healthy.

Love,
Angela

Progress Reports for the week of January 10th

I want you to know that I truly believe you're a remarkable, strong person and you can be whoever you choose to be. We know this is a really hard time but we love you and we are totally here for you. -Court

I agree. You are a wonderful person and I think that probably needs to be something you tell yourself more often. Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. You're not alone and we'll help and support you anyway we can. -Kristen

Ten Rules to Live By to Achieve ESFJ Success:

You can check find out your personality profile here. Then go here.

1. Feed Your Strengths! Let your talent for caring and giving spill out into the world around you, show your gifts to the world. Allow yourself to take opportunities to nurture and develop situations in your home and work environments which bring value for yourself and others. Find work or a hobby which allows you to realise these strengths.

2. Face Your Weaknesses! Realize and accept that some things are never going to be how you would like them to be. Understand that other peoples need to deal with the world regardless of how it seems. Facing and dealing with discord or differences in others doesn't mean that you have to change who you are; it means that you are giving yourself opportunities to grow. By facing your weaknesses, you honour your true self and that of others.

3. Discover the World of Others. Don't let yourself fall into the trap of thinking you always know what is right for others. Open your heart to the possibility of understanding that their true needs are something that must be discovered through a recognition that their view of the world might be very different, yet just as valid as your own.

4. Don’t be too hasty. Try to let things settle before you make a judgement, allowing others to discover the best for themselves while you try to see all the variables and contingencies in a situation.

5. Look Carefully at the World. Remember, things are not always what they seem on the surface. You might need to look deeper to discover the truth, particularly when it seems you are sure of your first quick judgement. There are layers of meaning and truth beneath everything.

6. Try to Let Others Take Some of the Load. By letting others make their own judgements, you are not letting things get out of control, but are validating their own need to be a part of your life. Remember, it is better to guide another to see your point of view than keeping them out of the picture.

7. Be Accountable to Others. Remember that they need to understand you and your needs too. Express your doubts and difficulties as well as your reasons and let them become partners to your goals.

8. Don’t Hem Yourself in. Staying in your comfort zone is self defeating in the end. Try to make every day one where you get out and discover a little something different about the world and others. This will broaden your horizons and bring new ideas and opportunities into focus.

9. Assume the Best and Seek for it. Don't wait for others to live up to your expectations. Every person has a goldmine of worth in them, just as every situation can be turned to some good. If you let yourself believe this, you will find yourself discovering ways to make it true for you.

10. When in Doubt, Ask For Help! Don't let your fears leave you on the horns of a dilemma or lead you into disaster. If you are uncertain of something or someone then get input from others who have greater experience in dealing with this difficulty.