WE ARE THE SAME; WE ARE DIFFERENT

I have come to realize that here on OD we are very different in many ways and very similar in others.
The differences may be because we live in different cities, countries and states.
The differences may be because of religion. The differences may be because we are at different stages of our lives.
The differences may be because of our maturity level.
The differences may be because of the way we were brought up.
The differences may be because of health issues.

Although we are so different we are also so similar.
We all have an interest in others and desire to share our lives with each other.
Most of us are interested in reaching out and sharing ideas and opinions with others.
Most of us enjoy writing and expressing ourselves.
Most of us want to be encouraging and supportive with others.
Most of us want to have and/or be a friend.
Most of us try hard to understand and accept each other.

Despite all the similarities there are times when we/I just cannot relate to what other people are writing about. So many things that I take forgranted are foreign to others.
So when you read through the entries be patient. THINK!!! I am coming from a totally different place and time and situation.
Be accepting and caring.
Be openminded.
Your/my way is not the only way.
Remember the saying about walking in others’ footsteps………………
I am so happy to be on OD and to read about the lives of my friends. I realize that my life is different and some will not understand why I do what I do. Does it matter? Reading other diaries make me realize how lucky I am.
I don’t have to struggle with winter.
I don’t have the everyday struggles others have with children and work. I have been there and done that. Now is my time to relax and enjoy.
So I will try to accept, appreciate and understand why certain notes say what they do. Our lives are just DIFFERENT. Not different good or bad just DIFFERENT.
So now it’s time or me to go back to sleep. Why do I wake up in the middle of the night? Does it matter why? I just do!!!!!!!!!!!
Sometimes we may try to analyze our lives too much. Sometimes it is better just to live and let live. Sometimes it is better to say yes than no. Sometimes it is better not to say anything. Sometimes it is better just to be which I find hard to do. Is it wrong? It may or may not be but do others have to criticize? They can try to encourage me to be/do something else. There is more than one way of looking at things and this is the advantage of being on OD. Friends can help us because they see things from a different perspective. This can also hurt us because they truly don’t know how we think/feel. They are not walking in our shoes.
So on that note I am crawling back into bed.
Tomorrow I am staying home to get things done. I have food to prepare for supper on Friday. I have calls to make. I have books to read and crafts to work on.  
I have to find out about low impact aerobics. I have discussed this with friends and they suggest I try to do some a few times a week in addition to my swimming so I will.
Finally I need to buy some food for Friday. I have eight people coming. I want to make it a special night so will use my good dishes etc.
I also have the air conditioner repair man coming and the exterminator.
I have to check on three way calling as one of my friends is interested in my "business."
So even though I will be home most of the day I have many things to keep me out of trouble. I have been trying to reach my daughter without success. She will be sorry as before we/she knows it we will be heading north. I can’t believe we only have about another six weeks. I have to start watching how much food I buy especially meat.
OK! Now I am really going to stop writing and heat the hay. More tomorrow.