"The moment an individual can accept and forgive himself, even a little, is the moment in which he/she becomes to some degree lovable."
-Eugene Kennedy
It took me a long time to accept myself for who I am. I now know who I am after all these years of struggling and internalized homophobia. What is internalized homophobia? It refers to homophobia as a prejudice carried by individuals against homosexual manifestations in themselves and others. It causes severe discomfort with or disapproval of one's own sexual orientation. Was this me? Yes! This wasn't the question on the 15 Most frequently asked Questions from the public on AOL today. More people wanted to know why flamingos are pink, why parrots talk, and why do we dream. Two questions about birds and none on internalized homophobia. What is the world coming to?
It is about accepting yourself. This concept can be applied to many other things in life. I do know and realize that individuals can work to overcome their internalized homophobia through therapy and/or open conversations with someone who is accepting. What I found is that family can be a difficult hurdle, especially when they openly do not accept you or say they accept you, but deep down they themselves are injured. Through the years you see it more with certain family members. They might not include your partner's name on a card or they never ask how he/she is? Many people just keep talking about themselves and their lives so he/she doesn't have time to ask about yours. They are afraid to ask. I have found that this is their own problem, not mine. I have moved away from blaming myself. I do not blame them either for not accepting. I do agree that once I fully accepted myself even a little, I became more lovable. So, hats off to you Mr.Kennedy.
Now let's for one moment go back to herbs as my time in Ithaca is approaching once again. I know we discussed digitalis and hawthorne. I briefly discussed the use of motherwort, scotch broom, and night blooming cactus. I didn't know this but the Lilly of the Valley is the flower for the month of June.
In 1908, Dr. Crawford R Green stated, "The action of Cratageus is so broad that there are few heart conditions it does not include, and none that counterindicate it. In fact, it may be regarded as approaching a specific for cardiac conditions in general. It acts both as a powerful heart tonic and as a stimulant. It profoundly affects the circulation, strengthening the weak pulse and regulating its rhythm, correcting alike tachycardia, bradycardia or simple arrhythmia."
In 1917, in American Medicine Gelsemium sempervirens. I wanted to write about this plant because it made me look it up and do some research. I didn't know that Gelsemium is used as a cardiac sedative to help with palpitations, or extra heart beats. It does not affect any specific action of conduction of the heart, like digitalis and scotch broom. The main ingredient in this plant is contained in the root, also called the rhizome. There are three active alkaloids in the root that are beneficial, one being gelsemine.
Yellow Jasmine is an unmistakable type of vine, thanks to its brilliant yellow color flowers. Blooming in early Spring and again in the Fall, these golden, bell-shaped flowers are just as fragrant as you’d expect from any type of Jasmine. The vine’s green leaves will turn bronze in the fall, though this vine’s foliage is sparse when compared to others. A rapidly growing vine, Yellow Jasmine can survive in sun or partial shade, just so long as it is planted in moist soil and receives a steady supply of moisture. Jasmine Vines are known for a fragrance you can smell from a distance.
Plant some next year... I will.
Eugene C. Kennedy (born August 18, 1928) is a American psychologist, syndicated columnist, professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, he remained professor of psychology at the university for several years. A former Catholic priest and a long-time observer of the Roman Catholic Church He has written over fifty books on psychology, religion, Catholic church, and psychology of religion , and also published three novels, Father's Day (1981), Queen Bee (1982), and Fixes (1989).
I suggest you pick up one of his books.
Until tomorrow...
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