You're dealing with the demon of external validation. You can't beat external validation. You want to know why? Because it feels sooo good.

You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act.

Because you are in control of your life. Don't ever forget that. You are what you are because of the conscious and subconscious choices you have made.

That's the secret of entertaining. You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself.

Justice does not come from the outside. It comes from inner peace.

But penance need not be paid in suffering...It can be paid in forward motion. Correcting the mistake is a positive move, a nurturing move.