Peruvian children, Amazon River trip.
“We acquire the strength we have overcome.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
In some primitive cultures, it was believed that if you ate the heart of an enemy, you acquired his strength. I stop short of this, but I do know that standing up for ourselves or others in spite of our fears does strengthen character. I think this is what Emerson is talking about. One of my greatest weaknesses is, I know, wanting to be liked by all. Now and then, however, I have rebelled and stood up for what I believed in spite of popular opinion or in rebellion against the powers that were at the time. Luckily, all usually came out well even though I chose to put myself at risk. Then, back to a comfortable life. Not for me the perpetual picket line or protest. The rest of the time my pen is my placard.
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
Your last sentence triggered a revisiting of an occasion years ago in high school when I spontaneously wrote a poem expressing my anger with certain ‘female bullies’ and this poetic effort was surprisingly posted in our graduating year book. “My pen is my placard.” So true. Nice piece of writing.
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Thanks, Olga. It took me awhile to discover that it is okay to do things in your own way according to your own interests and talents.
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I’m well past picketing, but I think I’m just coming into my own as far as not really caring if someone likes me or not. Obviously, we all want approval from friends and those we love and respect, but I no longer need it from everyone. Age gives emotional independence — probably the biggest gift of getting older.
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Yes. Less bullying going on in our age group, for sure!!!
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Just to let you know Judy that I linked this posting for my new assignment in Bloggign101. Hope that’s ok.
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I love that, Olga..Will I see the replies?
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It’s in the process of being published right now and there’s a link to your Day 2 quote. The task was to expand on my comment that I shared yesterday, so you might very well get more traffic sometime today. I guess you’ll see any comment directly made on your page and further ones, if any, on my page, I usually get more likes than comments.
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Thank you for your well placed word even if only Wheeling but a feather
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