Step two: learn to accept the criticism of others.

And I believe I have! Well, at least by one standpoint. I came across someones blog today, and the man seemed to be bashing Wiccans, giving them quite the bad name. I was very impressed to see, however, that he wasn't the typical ignorant. HE HAD DONE HIS RESEARCH! Huzzah, someone intelligent presenting a challange! Okay, I confess, this was not my innital thought. My first response was to be somewhat rankled. I felt a sadness touch my soul at the prejudice I felt eminating from this page toward people like ME. I mean, can't we all just get along? But after I left a comment explaining my viewpoints, something glorious happened. I got an intelligent, non hostile reply! O, joyous day! This man explained his viewpoints to me, as well; he talked of what he meant and where he stands. He was also quite curteous, and used an excellent Lord of the Rings reference. (Obviously a man with good taste, don't you agree?) But listening to this man so against Wiccanism brought something wonderful to light: I had been a hypocrit. I, who so despises hypocracy. You see, where I had been asking him not to judge all Wiccans by those who pervert the faith or use it to meet their own ends, I had been slightly judging him. How? Because I had been rankled by his point of view! I have no right to that. Sure, I can't always help how I feel or react to things, but still! I firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, beliefs, ideals, morals, etc., and yet I had been angry at his point of view. It's none of my business, really, what he thinks, worships, believes, or where he stands. (No matter how interesting and oddly refreshing I find it.) He has the right to be happy and live is life as he chooses! (Which is absolutely beautiful.) So, my good sir, if you happen upon this eventually, my most sincere apologies. And I feel I must thank you, too. You've enabled me to change a part of myself that needed changing (or at least a little modifying). In some odd way, you've contributed to my Journey. And I believe, in part, you've helped me with my next step to become a better person.

May you be blessed by the belief of your choosing.
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.