True Confessions

This could be awkward.  I am thinking of putting to paper why I am the way I am.  “But I don’t have all day!” I hear you say.   I will try to do it in around 500 words.
I am a strong believer in my not having a right to set myself up.  There are things I don’t agree with and I will say why if asked.  The trouble is, I know there are things in me and about me that others do not agree with.  To me we all have the prerogative to think what we think.
It is really hard for me to admit, but I am not the yardstick things are measured by.  There is a good chance that in me are ideas that are universally accepted, and other things that are very definitely left field.  I reckon I am not alone.
What I need to ask myself is, do I let differences in beliefs determine my associations?  My answer to that is no.  I reckon if I did, that could be a very lonely existence.  A good mate of mine is a spokesperson for something I am diametrically opposed to.  He has been to court over it.  If I let that determine my friendship or otherwise I would have missed out on his great sense of humour.  And missed out on his genuine compassion.  And missed out on his assistance where I have required it.  I reckon life would be the poorer for it.
I know I miss the mark sometimes.  I fall.  I fail.  That though seems to be a human race thing.  One of the sayings that has meant heaps to me is “a friend is someone who, when you make a mistake, does not think you have done a permanent job.”  Falling down is par for the course.  Not getting up again is a problem.
I could emphasis differences for most of my relationships.  Others could do the same concerning me.  What I do believe is it is not so much our differences but or similarities that matter.  There is a good chance that everyone who plays table tennis does not see the world as I do.  Nor would all stamp collectors, or gardeners or readers.  I cannot help it if they are all wrong. 😊  Does my difference mean I do not engage with them?  No.  Our similarity draws us together.  Our differences may mean they never become my new best friend but generally that does not mean we cannot learn from each other.
Toxic people are different to me though.  Generally, I will love them but keep my distance.  There are some that will never be good for me and it is best I do not seek them out.  The thing is though, while all of us can be difficult at times, we are not all toxic.
I know I have a lot to learn but one thing I have picked up that I reckon is a keeper is that people matter.  Or as a mate of mine puts it, “we are all just trying to eek out a living.”  Giving it our best shot really.