Thank you Dain. I would like to create some distance between myself and feelings of anxiety and shame. They’re really holding me back from being my true self and connecting with others.

@@Jasmine-3 You’re right. My glass is pretty full already. I think I need to develop some patience in terms of healing from this most recent setback. As for my Dad, yes, I used to be ashamed of him at times and feelings of resentment used to come up as to why he wasn’t able to be the role model I needed to teach me about what it means to be a man. At the same time, I also recognize that I was a very stubborn child; turning away from him because he was an immigrant with a thick accent, worked long hours away from home, and smoked like a chimney – not as cool as other fathers. But today, I hold nothing against my parents. I have forgiven them completely and they have been amazingly supportive through my troubles. Today, my father is most gentle, caring, compassionate, thoughtful, funny man I know. Hell bent on self-improvement he works hard, spend lots of time with family, supports his community, exercises, and eats well. If I grow up to be half the man he is today, I will be very happy.