I haven't been writing in this blog very much because now I have a few close friends that I can talk to about what's going on in my life. It helps us feel closer to each other, and I get an outlet for my thoughts. Kills two birds with one stone!

However, after thinking about it, I still feel that writing journal entries will help me reflect upon my most recent achievements and progress in self-improvement.

Right now I'm working to repair my relationship with my mother, which is no small undertaking, considering that there have been periods of years and years where we didn't talk to each other. Nor did I feel the need to talk to her.

Well, a few weeks ago we went for brunch together, and I laid it all out. It turns out, she is also trying, at the age of 65, even, to try and become a better listener, which she basically never was when I was growing up. So, the lines of communication are open, and I feel so much less stressed out around her. We had breakfast together today, and I let her know what was going on in my life. It was nice to talk to her and let her know about who I am now, without feeling like she was judging me or something.

I've also started to treat my friends more like lovers, in taking from one of my previous posts in the "Progress" thread. I show appreciation, send text messages throughout the day, express myself clearly, let them know when I want or need something from them, and negotiate times when we can be together. This has created a circle of very close friends, who happen to be women.

I'm now also working on opening up to men as well, and so far I've had very positive responses. It seems that if I'm honest and have no barriers or defenses, it encourages the other person to break down their defenses and barriers as well. Who knew?

I think I'm making great strides in modifying not only my outward behavior, but my internal viewpoint of the world around me; the world is opening up to me, it's becoming a welcoming, supportive, loving place that I can really just be free in. And it's a great feeling.

That's all for now. Will post later when the time comes.