I FAITHFULLY buy The Weekly Times each week and enjoy reading Miranda's comments, as well as the interesting and informative views of the contributors.
I read, with delight, the letter "We should embrace our differences" (WT, October 7).
I just wish the writer had put their name to it, as I would like to congratulate them on their sensitivity, compassion and open-mindedness, all things that appear to be missing from a lot of people these days.
I have always appreciated life, but having survived the February 7 Marysville bushfire, which has left me traumatised - it was truly like being in the middle of burning hell - I now appreciate life even more and celebrate each and every day for the true blessing that it is.
I, too, have been guilty of being judgmental on far too many occasions and have been endeavouring to improve myself over the past 15 years or so.
Some of the lessons I have learnt include: accepting people as they are, that we all vibrate to different notes, and each and every one of us is a unique individual, with something to share, as well as learn.
Every time we make a new acquaintance, we are swapping information. Hence the saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will arrive".
There is good and bad in everyone, regardless of our race, creed, skin colour and religious or political beliefs.
It is what we choose to do with what we have that determines outcomes and allows us to be good, bad or indifferent.
Another famous truth is that we cannot change anyone but ourselves.
Hence my concerted effort to be less judgmental, more compassionate, caring, sharing, and optimistic.
The world, despite all the calamity and disasters and apparent evilness of some souls, is still a great place to be.
I also believe that for every one bad person, there are at least two loving people, to balance the world on the side of good.
I believe we are here to help make the world a better place, share our knowledge, time, space and love.
Let's all contribute to the joy of living.
Pamela Shearer, address withheld
