{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Rainbow Dash Network","provider_url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/","type":"link","title":"Pony (pony)'s status on Tuesday, 18-Dec-12 08:11:47 UTC","author_name":"Pony (pony)","author_url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/pony","url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/notice\/2180740","html":"@<span class=\"vcard\"><a href=\"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/user\/10820\" class=\"url\" title=\"That wierd guy next door\"><span class=\"fn nickname\">renovatedkitchen<\/span><\/a><\/span> If you're an elitist then you'll constantly compare yourself to others.  I used to be that way subconsciously, but as I worked more with disabled people I realized that achievements and excelling are society's values, not mine. If I were as disabled as the people I help, I'd be happy just to be a positive influence in whatever way I could.  There was a 39 year old woman I took care of (with the mind of a 5 year old) who I saw take happiness from her daily  work hanging up clothes at a store. She had friends and enjoyed shopping at dollar stores and eating out once per week, and, as long as her staff cared for her, she was happy. I figure I can try to find happiness in satisfying standards set by society which, while good, may be quite difficult or impossible for me to reach, or I can count myself lucky for what I already have, pride, fame, and fortune be damned.. now I'm rambling and off topic, but hopefully I make sense."}