BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA ARIZONA — Recently, I had conversations with two people who thought that what I wrote was directed at them. They were worried I was upset with them. I had to explain, as diplomatically as I could, that they needed to get over themselves.

OK, I admit I am not too good with the diplomatic stuff. I reminded them that when I write I often write what I think or feel in that moment. It is my hope that others may read and sense a kinship if they have similar feelings or issues. So I write to vent and explore and discover new thoughts and ideas for myself, but I am not sending subliminal messages … to anyone.

I admit I am guilty of this as well. In my mind, someone not talking translates to “not talking to me,” someone looking upset translates to “I offended them. What did I do or say?”

I do not believe that Lao Tzu was thinking of me when he wrote, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Yet, that sentiment touches me. So I hope what I write or express may touch you and make you smile or think or reflect or remember. That is all.

Now I will get over myself.