You know, we're our own worst critics while being our own best apologists.

It's absolutely amazing to me how we can fail to see the true nature of our own selves. It's easy to pick up on the strengths and weaknesses of others, but when we try to judge ourselves, we're unable to see clearly.

Justifications, rationalizations and out-right lies are our bread and butter. We fail to understand the true nature of our beings, so we fudge the truth to the point where we lose ourselves in a cacophony of wishes and dreams.

Well yesterday, a friend opened my eyes. Sometimes something as simple as seeing yourself in an old photo can remind you of who you were, where you came from. And most importantly, what you wanted to be, way back then when anything seemed possible. Go to this website. It's a wonderful place that's managed to obtain pictures of almost every high school yearbook in the country. The pictures of myself from years ago were startling reminders of a boy looking up, not down.

Even if it doesn't have the same effect on you, please give it a try. You've got nothing to lose, and only enlightenment to gain.

God's Peace.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of The Abyss.