100% Raw Foodists Only Please

[Jamin]

I am 100 % raw and I am just a little tired of getting advise from people who aren't 100%. It seems that so many people who do this diet don't understand why its so important to be 100%.
Please all you who are totally convinced that 100% is the only way to go, please help explain why.

here are a couple of great reasons, if you are not 100%, your body will never start to fully heal itself, and on levels that you couldn't even imagine!
-How can your body pull down its defenses if you never stop attaking it?-

You will never lose the muccoid lining in your intestinal track and therefore wil never reach even close to the potential nutrient assimilation.

Its like your quitting smoking and yet you still smoke only half a ciggarette a day, you can't expect to heal unless you quit 100%.

Having cooked food cravings?? You probably ate something cooked. Don't trust everything that says raw on it. do your research.

Theres alot of people out there who don't understand what it means to be truly 100% and the people who aren't 100% shouldn't even be on this site relating their transformations because their transformation is completely different from someone who is 100% AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE CONFUSED.



Sorry to be so harsh but I think that the truth should be told.

-Jamin

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Jamin,

I went back and read Alissa's Mission Statement. Here is part of it:

"This is a raw food board for asking and receiving questions and answers in regards to going and staying raw. This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN."

(Alissa typed the capital letters)

You can read her full Mission Statement at:
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3289

I am still not 100% raw, but I sure have benefited from other peoples experiences, ideas, suggestions, links, etc. and will continue to strive for 100%. And in return I hope I'm able to help others get to this point also. This board had really helped me get to the point I am now.

I really don't know of a board where only 100% raw people can post. This may be something you could start. There may be other 100% raw fooders that would be interested in a board to where you could go into more detail of what you're looking for.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Autumn]

<<Theres alot of people out there who don't understand what it means to be truly 100% and the people who aren't 100% shouldn't even be on this site relating their transformations because their transformation is completely different from someone who is 100% AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE CONFUSED. >>

Jamin,
Fortunately for so many of us, this is not your board. Alissa has provided an incredible forum for people aspiring to RAW, and for those looking for continued support on their journey. I have gained an enormous amount of information from people in all stages of their RAW-ness. I know that I have helped people as well. I hope you find the kind of forum you are looking for. Perhaps when we all reach the level of perfection you are at now, we will join you there.

[Revvell]

Theres alot of people out there who don't understand what it means to be truly 100% and the people who aren't 100% shouldn't even be on this site relating their transformations because their transformation is completely different from someone who is 100% AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE CONFUSED.

Confusion leads to clarity ~ which leads to confusion ~ and back to clarity.

If only 100% raw folk were to inhabit this site, it would be a dull and forlorn site indeed.



Sorry to be so harsh but I think that the truth should be told.


I'm unclear as to the "truth" you are proclaiming. That 100% is the way to go? Well, that's been told so MANY times...and, that is what this board is here for ~ assistance and guidance.

So, what's your concern?

Revvell

[Universal]

Peace Jamin,

You definitely make some valid points as far as the analogy on why someone should be 100% raw; and how its equivalent to a person who quits smoking, and sneaks one in each night, etc. That's definitely right and exact and valid.

But again, just checking out the mission statement, its clear that people enter this board and this forum at different stages, but with one common goal; regardless of age, race, sex, RAW PERCENTAGE, etc..., and that is to STRIDE to be Raw. That common accordance with that one goal is what brings clarity, which is the definition of PEACE! That's why i usually enter and exit in PEACE, because i'm always clear on who is on this board, WHY they are on this board, etc.

We all share that one common goal and that common bond is what keeps this board in ORDER! Peace is the absence of all confusion and ultimately, order. The absence of Peace is confusion and chaos.

As for me personally, i'm 100% and i've been there since February with a couple of minor slip-ups (including this past weekend with a serving of some cooked lasagna, which i intentionally ate because i traveled a long way to visit my aunt who made a specialized "vegetarian" version of lasagna strictly for me). But i'm still here and still Raw and have never once felt like i need to be anywhere other than where i am. I can't even begin to say how much i've learned and grown from the many beautiful, positive-minded PEACEFUL, righteous people on this board.

That's wonderful that you're 100% Jamin. How long have you been 100%??? And how long did it take you to get there??? Was it an overnight transition for you..???


PEACE
Universal

[Rawkinlocs]

I am 100 % raw and I am just a little tired of getting advise from people who aren't 100%. It seems that so many people who do this diet don't understand why its so important to be 100%.
Please all you who are totally convinced that 100% is the only way to go, please help explain why.

here are a couple of great reasons, if you are not 100%, your body will never start to fully heal itself, and on levels that you couldn't even imagine!
-How can your body pull down its defenses if you never stop attaking it?-

You will never lose the muccoid lining in your intestinal track and therefore wil never reach even close to the potential nutrient assimilation.

Its like your quitting smoking and yet you still smoke only half a ciggarette a day, you can't expect to heal unless you quit 100%.

Having cooked food cravings?? You probably ate something cooked. Don't trust everything that says raw on it. do your research.

Theres alot of people out there who don't understand what it means to be truly 100% and the people who aren't 100% shouldn't even be on this site relating their transformations because their transformation is completely different from someone who is 100% AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE CONFUSED.

Sorry to be so harsh but I think that the truth should be told.

-Jamin
Jamin,

While I completely understand where you are coming from, it's like everyone preceeding me has said, it's about the STRIVE...we are STRIVING for that goal...some are there already and some are not.

The thing is, you really must be careful of having too cocky of an attitude lest your judgement on others comes back to bite you on the rear later!

I mean, in your very first post on this site back in November of this year, you stated that you ONCE were raw, and now (well at the time of your writing) you were not...but you wanted to get back to that. How unfair of you it is to make such demands that those who are not 100% have nothing to share, contribute or advise on this board...simply not true. I have learned a GREAT deal from people here who are not 100% raw as have many others.

According to many websites and "experts", being considered raw is having 75% or more of the total diet consist of raw foods.

While 100% is probably most optimal, it's not a mandate to be on this forum or to contribute... only that they be in favor of the raw diet, be willing to suport and seek support of the raw vegan diet and those striving for 100% and that they, themselves, are striving towards being all raw. If you can think of a forum board where EVERYONE is 100% raw, then please show it to me! If not, you can always start one up yourself and invite only those who are already 100% raw.

Are you 100% raw right now? How long before something else causes you to go off of being raw as it did before (lack of raw community or not)? Hopefully it won't and I wish nothing BUT a successful raw journey for you, but again, being so adament that those who are not 100% raw shouldn't share here or be here with their transformations can bring about bad karma!


:D today i've decided to go 100% raw. I won't actually be going raw for a couple of weeks though because I have a huge banquet to go to and I don't want to set myself up for a temptation that I won't be strong enough to handle yet. Is that a good idea or do you think that I should just try to face it and go raw now??

I was raw before and I ended up moving to a place where there wasn't any raw community and therefore I got weak and gave up. Now however I am married and she wants to do it also and we live in las vegas and there is some raw community here along with two raw cafe's!!
My mother is 100% raw and it has worked wonders for her. currently I am 250 pounds and I feel incredibly unhealthy. I can't go a day without getting untolerable heartburn. I can't even tie my own shoes without feeling a ton of uncomfortable pressure in my midsection. I feel ugly and don't even want to face the world. I hate looking in the mirror. My father commited suicide when I was 8 yrs old and I don't want to fallow in his footsteps. He had chronic depression problems and I too have struggled with it. I have to do something.something permanent!! http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8438

[tglasco4]

For a definition of how "Judge Not that ye be not judged" applies see the opening post. The spirit of that post is so at odds with what is on this site. It shows how truly nice this site is. Being real is good, but being tactful brings the point home better.

I honestly would like to thank Jamin. Her blunder taught me a real lesson. If we can learn from the mistakes of others it could save us some embarrassment later on.

Peace.

[mrobinbird]

Hello everyone! I can honestly say I've learned alot from this post!

Hi Jammin - don't be so hard on yourself!!! Focus on your goals and vision the person you desire to become from choosing to eat raw - YOU WILL FIND FREEDOM in building boudaries for yourself in your food choices! Hang in there! ;)

I hope this post doesn't scare you away in your being honest. Please keep in touch! - Michelle-

[brookegoeden]

HI.

I have learned so much from this post and constantly refer people to join. I am not 100% raw, and lately- not even close. However, I promised myself that starting January 1st, 2005- I will be 100% raw and joining many others in the 90-day challenge. Additionally, I feel great b/c I am changing myself and improving my body. All are welcome on this board as long as we encourage each other to be our best.

[sport]

Jammin
I am 100% raw but think that I have a lot to learn from some of the people here who may not be 100% but have been at it longer than me and have tried different levels. I understand where you are coming from because I have been annoyed in the past when people post who are not 100% vegan and I can not understand why they can be that way.
I hope that you are OK with the comments made and understand the reasons behind them.

[sweetgoddess]

In the words of our beloved teacher, Alissa Cohen...
"it is about persistence, not perfection."

100 percent raw and living food provides the best opportunity for healing and vibrant health. Without a doubt! yeah raw food!

Food is only one part of a very large puzzle. Happiness, attitude, enotional balance, spiritual growth, empathy, love, etc are even more important than food since they penetrate all of our spectacular levels.
And a big part of that is granting people the freedom to be where they are at, knowing we are all working on different things, and are where we are for a reason. Some people will need to do a lot of emotional work, others mental work...there is so much more than food involved in this journey, and since we are all dealing with a different accumulation of life experiences, and we all live in a different environment--this will be a unique process for each of us.

This is not a forum intended for exclusion. It is intended for support because its creator knew from experience that change is challenging and people need support and inspiration, within a spirit of true fellowship and kindness.
Arent we blessed?

Warmly~
Carmel

"...our freedom ends where someone else's begins....."
~Harold Klemp

[jenna rose]

As someone who has been struggling with staying 100% raw for a while now, I find your post unhelpful and discouraging.

We all know that 100% raw is the way to go, but even people who aren't 100% are eating better than they probably have in their whole lives. I know I am.

I looked all over the internet for a place that I would be welcome, a place of knowledge and friendship. The last thing I need is to be excluded, in an already excluding world where most people don't know what raw food is; most restaurants don't carry raw food; most people can't relate to what I'm going through.

I'm going to be forever grateful to Alissa and the wonderful people of this board for NOT being exclusive, as they realize no one is perfect and people do sometimes stumble off the path to 100% raw. Raw food is nothing to be exclusive or discouraging about. It should be uplifting and encouraging and welcoming.

[sweetgoddess]

A big hug for you Jenna! You are doing sooooo great!! You really are. And we are fortunate to have you here.

I can tell you, the huge emotional/mental struggle ended for me when I realized that even with slips and slides, come one years time- I will have ingested the majority of my food living and whole. I am almost at a year and my body, my life, my perspective have all blessedly changed simply because I persisted and realized I am perfect-- so I no longer have to try to be perfect. What a relief!
pssst- we are perfect, each and every one of us. It is our very essence-regardless of what we eat!
woohoo! :) :D :p

[theresaann]

I remember a few years ago I was frequenting the living-foods.com board (this one didn't exist then) and many times the moderator and MANY participants would declare only 100% raw folks could participate, and everyone else GET OUT! I remember what I did is sort of go into "denial" and tell myself I was 100% raw to stay "in the club" and on the board. I wonder how many others did that too? what I remember most, though, is the decidedly UN-supportive and somewhat judgemental tone of that board-superiority attitude that eventually turned me off of raw. I sort of got the impression that raw foodists were elistists and judgemental (like some macrobiotic people I had encountered years before that). at any rate, the whole reason this board is such a ray of sunlight for me is the LACK of judgementalism. And anything in life that says we must live by OUTER rules is not love and is not aligned with Holy SPirit (our higher self).

ALso, MANY MANY people obtain MIRACULOUS healing results without being 100% raw (check out hacres.com, and dr. furhman's great work and vegsource.com). A VEGAN WHOLEFOODS diet is extremely healing. I myself have found that the best way to eat that gives me the energy I need (I don't feel enough energy to be physically active on 100% raw and I LOVE to work out and miss it too much if I'm 100% raw) is to eat some steamed veggies and beans at dinner (so I"m about 90% raw) but no grain. I don't think I'm "destroying my health" eating THAT way.

anyway, just my two cents. Thanks everyone for this board and not "demanding perfection", which btw-can NEVER happen! The only real perfection is PERFECT LOVE!!! OM AH HUM....:)

[Punky]

As someone who has been struggling with staying 100% raw for a while now, I find your post unhelpful and discouraging.

We all know that 100% raw is the way to go, but even people who aren't 100% are eating better than they probably have in their whole lives. I know I am.

I looked all over the internet for a place that I would be welcome, a place of knowledge and friendship. The last thing I need is to be excluded, in an already excluding world where most people don't know what raw food is; most restaurants don't carry raw food; most people can't relate to what I'm going through.

I'm going to be forever grateful to Alissa and the wonderful people of this board for NOT being exclusive, as they realize no one is perfect and people do sometimes stumble off the path to 100% raw. Raw food is nothing to be exclusive or discouraging about. It should be uplifting and encouraging and welcoming.

I can identify with Jenna Rose here; and agree with so many of the other
posts (Helen, Autumn, Revvell, Sweet Goddess, Rawkinlocs..etc...)..
We have a great bunch of people on this board that are a great source
of inspiration and knowledge at various levels of raw-ness.
I agree 100% is the best way to go, and strive for this.
But at any percentage one can find healing and improvement in conditions.
For example: My raw curious friend came to me about 1 1/2 years ago
suffering from acne...she asked me for advice since she knew I have
read, studied and put into effect a lot about dietary choices and improvement
with behavioural problems (my son was borderline autistic and has ADHD).
She witnessed how much my son improved from diet only, etc...and respected me for this. I advised her to start juicing, take out dairy and clean up her junk food diet(lots of refined junky sugar products) with more *whole foods*. It was hard at 1st but after about 3-4 months her skin cleared up! Looked better than when she was antibiotics for a year. Since then she has become very raw curious and added more and more raw into her diet.
So my point is, that even though I am NOT 100% raw, I feel my knowledge
has been helpful to others health (my SON! and my friend with acne);
the quality of there lives have improved, and I have instilled in them
the knowledge of how food can definatley affect ones body.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

{{{{{{{{{Jamin}}}}}}}}}}}

After reading your other post, I'm wondering if you are really searching for help. When we read your post at the top we assume you are all raw, but now we know you aren't. It looks like you are looking for advice from people who are exerienced raw fooders and you were hoping to find that on here.

There are some 100% raw fooders on here but most of us our still on our journey. Please post back. We'll try to give you the support you need and want. Even the 100% raw fooders are on different tracks, like some will say 80% carbs, 10% fat, 10% protein. Others say you need to supplement. Others will say eat anything you want as long as it's raw. Some will sprout, some won't.

So just read and find what will work best for you!!!! I can tell from your other post you want to get healthy and that is what eating raw is all about.

Most of the post here are just trying to let you know what this board is about. I hope you and your wife will join us. Get involved on the 30-day challenge. Many of us know you now and we'll be there on your journal section encouraging you anyway we can!!!! :)

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[twinee1]

It is so encouraging to read the responses to this post. I am so impressed by all of your responses. I know when I first went raw I searched, and posted on various forums, but after I found that the most support was here. It is nice to come to a forum that is supportive, helpful, loving and understanding of all of us at our various stages of growth.

One of my favorite saying is "Persistence and failure never stay in the same room ".....so we must persist to be 100% raw, it is not something that happens over night. If we persist we succeed. If we all had to be 100% to be here there would be no one to motivate, to share, to help them grow to be a light for them...and that is what this is all about.

[Jamin]

I think that I've been totally misunderstood here. I never meant to discourage anyone from being raw. I only meant to clarify the huge difference between partial rawness and 100% rawness.

I have nothing against people who come on the site and express their journey toward becoming 100%, and I don't think that I am perfect and I certainly apologize for giving that impression. It is hard to be 100%, but it should be known that you can't expect the same results as someone who is.

I personally know the struggle it is to remain 100% but I would never presume to try and tell someone who is 100% that they are being extreme and that they don't have to be so hard on themselves. I have ran into alot of people who are ex-100% raw who still claim to be 100% and with a little talking to them you find out that they actually aren't. So only in lew of that, did I post what I posted.

I want to join you in encouraging everyone to be raw but I think that the real goal should to be 100%. Even on Alissa's DVD she mentions that it is even harder to be less than 100% than it is to be partially raw- I believe she likened it to teasing yourself with only alittle bit of the food you love and then putting it away and then dealing with the craving. Thats only torture!

This diet truly does require alot of discipline but I promise you that if you're 100% from the beginning it will be so much easier. The cravings will go away, you will begin to only crave raw, living foods, your sense of taste will change, and therefore you won't even think about cooked food, it will seem unnatural.

But if you can't, don't be discouraged, it is true what some people have posted, it is much better to be partially than not at all. But it just still doesn't compare to the amazing outcome of being 100%.

Thats all I wanted to clarify. And I'm sure most of you already know that, but I just wanted to recap the fact for people who might be new to the idea.

-sorry if I offended anyone, it wasn't meant.

-Jamin

[twinee1]

I want to join you in encouraging everyone to be raw but I think that the real goal should to be 100%. Even on Alissa's DVD she mentions that it is even harder to be less than 100% than it is to be partially raw- I believe she likened it to teasing yourself with only alittle bit of the food you love and then putting it away and then dealing with the craving. Thats only torture!


-Jamin



Jamin...

I think the statement above, while generally may be true is not absolute. We are so individual !! Again why the forum works !!

I consider myself to be 100%...and will go extended periods of time, then on occassion eat a cooked food...I had some steamed green beans on Christmas day ....and I do not/did not spiral into the cooked food world. Eating a cooked food does not make me crave going back to cooked. I do not find it harder to be 100%...or harder to be say 90-95%....it is the fact the hardest to do anything when I become legalistic in my thoughts and actions. So I allow myself the freedom to make choices as time passes and this is why I do not struggle. I make a concious choice and then once that choice is made I do it and do not then go back and pine over that choice.

[Jamin]

Jamin...

I think the statement above, while generally may be true is not absolute. We are so individual !! Again why the forum works !!

I consider myself to be 100%...and will go extended periods of time, then on occassion eat a cooked food...I had some steamed green beans on Christmas day ....and I do not/did not spiral into the cooked food world. Eating a cooked food does not make me crave going back to cooked. I do not find it harder to be 100%...or harder to be say 90-95%....it is the fact the hardest to do anything when I become legalistic in my thoughts and actions. So I allow myself the freedom to make choices as time passes and this is why I do not struggle. I make a concious choice and then once that choice is made I do it and do not then go back and pine over that choice.
I consider myself to be 100%...and will go extended periods of time, then on occassion eat a cooked food...I had some steamed green beans on Christmas day


I don't understand, how can you be 100% if you are still eating cooked food deliberately?

[Rawkinlocs]

Helen,

Jamin may very well be 100% raw "now"...but that post was made in November...just a month ago. I can see that Jamin wants to only hear from 100% raw fooders in getting the help, advice and support...perhaps doing a private consult with Alissa might be the ticket, I don't know.

But yes, our posts were to point out that there are hundreds of members here who are at all varying degrees in their journey to being raw and many of them are very close TO being 100% raw and have an awful lot to share and give in the way of advice.

I remember talking candidly to Alissa one day about my struggle with potato chips. She told me that she felt I would be an excellent teacher and be able to help many people on their path to raw beCAUSE I had those struggles for inturn, I would be able to understand and show compassion when I worked with someone who was also having a struggle. People relate to you when they feel you've been where they are...walked in their shoes. Suppose I had gone 100% raw cold-turkey and never slipped...how could I help that person who perhaps cannnot go 100% raw cold turkey? They would feel like they had to try and measure up to me and feel like a failure if they could not do that.

Jamin, I do apologize if my own post came across as harsh and judgemental as I don't want to come across that way...but I felt like I needed to point out to you that any one of us could "get weak and fall off" at anytime, just as you did and many of us HAVE...but it's one thing to fall off and stay off than to fall off and climb right back on!

You did it, many of us did it, there may be more falls, slips, bangs, bruises...but we should be here to extend a hand to lift one another back up onto that "wagon"...not ride away, pointing our finger at the person or people who lie there on the ground.

===========

I wrote this post (the section before THIS part here) before you came back on. I completely understand what you are saying...there will be a difference in how a person feels who is 100% raw as opposed to not. But again, there are many here who are not 100% who have really been a blessing to the members here, including me! I've learned and gleaned so much from the people here and I KNOW that not all of them are eating all raw. But what matters to me is that they DO believe (as I do as wel) that this is a wonderful way of life and are striving each and every day to meet their goal of eating all raw.

We look forward to contributions from you and your wife and hope that even though some of us may not be at 100%, 100% of the time, that you will gain from our experiences and contributions as well!

[sweetgoddess]

Cherie, your response was incredible. Thank you.
Not much more to be said! :)

[Jamin]

wow!! thank you so much, you are absolutaly right on.

I actually agree with everything you said and I didn't meant to seem judging of people who fall off the wagon. Iv'e been there too. Again I'm sorry to anyone who I might have discouraged.

[Rawkinlocs]

I consider myself to be 100%...and will go extended periods of time, then on occassion eat a cooked food...I had some steamed green beans on Christmas day


I don't understand, how can you be 100% if you are still eating cooked food deliberately?
Jamin,

Is there a time period that one has to be 100% raw in order to be considered 100% raw? I guess what I mean is, during the (extended period) of time that Twinee is 100%, she is just that. But once she takes a bite of the cooked food, then her "percentage" drops down to what? 90-95%?

And then after that, she's right back to 100% (from what I gathered from her post). It may have been months and months since she ate anything cooked up until the steamed green beans on Christmas...so does that discredit her having been 100% raw all those months up until that point?

That is why many here cringe at the whole percentage-thing.

[Jamin]

it is confusing, I agree.

I personally think of it in terms of how long it takes the body to heal from the damage the cooked food did to you. once your body is healed, I suppose then you are 100% again. But now you have to maybe retrain your thinking to never do it again.

Will it be your lifestlye, or just a diet?

[misslinda]

Confusion leads to clarity ~ which leads to confusion ~ and back to clarity.

If only 100% raw folk were to inhabit this site, it would be a dull and forlorn site indeed.



I'm unclear as to the "truth" you are proclaiming. That 100% is the way to go? Well, that's been told so MANY times...and, that is what this board is here for ~ assistance and guidance.

So, what's your concern?

Revvell



I'm sorry but "REVVELL for PRESIDENT !!!!!!!" :p

campaign amnager,
ml :cool:


ps---misundertanding happen--we know all about there here :D

[sweetgoddess]

I'm sorry but "REVVELL for PRESIDENT !!!!!!!"

wow, I second the motion! Can you imagine? Can I be your speech witer Revvell?

[Jamin]

miss linda, I think you should email your post to alissa and see what she thinks.

100% raw is the strived for destination of any true raw foodists just as eating nothing from any animal is the destination for a vegan.

[Jamin]

I didn't mean to make it sound like I wanted to kick anyone off the posts, I
just meant that if you are going to give advice about being raw from your
own personal experience, make sure people know what level of raw you are
speaking from. It seems that people are confusing some the reactions people
have that are partially raw to what they can expect on 100% raw.

[Revvell]

wow, I second the motion! Can you imagine? Can I be your speech witer Revvell?


Well, someone needs to be queen of diplomacy sooooo, YES! :)

[sweetgoddess]

"make sure people know what level of raw you are speaking from"

Actually, though I understand your point, that is not a requirement for this forum. But, you can always p.m. someone to ask them nicely, when you are considering their advice for your own personal journey.

Good luck!

~Carmel

[Goddess_girl]

just meant that if you are going to give advice about being raw from your
own personal experience, make sure people know what level of raw you are
speaking from.

The level is not important;nor anyone's business.(it is a struggle in the beginning and after ;some dont want to share .)
People have valuable information at all levels; based on what they read, experienced, and others.

Sometimes things are better seen from someone on the outside looking in.

Being 100% raw does not make anyone smarter than someone who is 50% or 80%.

[Ariannah]

I am 100% and I am glad for this board. I've received a great deal of wonderful inspiration from many who come here who don't happen to be 100%. This kind of division does not work for me.

Then even among 100%ers there is tremendous difference, there are those who are fresh food only (no dehydrating), or mono, or no salt or spices, or no recipes.

I tend to eat a plain diet, but I feel a comeraderie with many on this board who are into the fancier things.

We are all valuable people with much to offer.

[Rawkinlocs]

Beautifully said Rawandnatural...thank you for that! :)

Okay ladies and gentlemen...I think that the point has been driven home and Jamin has gotten the message loud and clear and is apologetic about the comments made previously.

So, I think it is now safe to move on and begin sharing and caring again...so if you don't mind, I think I'll close this on up now.

Thanks for all of the wonderful sentiments of support and understanding in this thread that we are all striving towards the same goal, we're just at different levels and phases of getting there!

Ciao!