Hi d.o.a

You have got some absolutely amazing insight here:

"When I had that realisation, I stopped to think, hang on, that can't be right. Surely, I'm good and acceptable no matter what? Even if someone thought badly of me because of those things, that doesn't mean I am what they think I am, right? I have this instinct telling me I should realise I am good and worthy to be living no matter what - that no matter what happens, it cannot take away from my worth..
The only thing I think makes some people better than others is the way they treat themselves and their fellow humans and other living things.. And we all make mistakes there, what matters is that we don't want to hurt anyone or think it's alright, and that we apologise when we mess up and learn to do better.." !!!!!!!!!!!!

And completely agree!!! You brought something else to my mind there too "Those who mind don't matter, those who matter don't mind"
And the blushing.........I think maybe you're seeing it a bit more through the eyes of the bullies..........the "unacceptability" part of it..........??? And we both know that isn't who you are
Because I'm sure so many people, people you might actually want to know, people who are actually worthy of being in your life are not going to see it as "unacceptable" or you as "unacceptable" because of that.
I know for a fact, if someone I met blushed (any which way!!) I'm not going to be thinking for a second "That's unacceptable" or "They're "unacceptable", because it doesn't matter in the slightest
So try not to worry whether you're acceptable or not to people who may judge you harshly for it, they are the very people who shouldn't be "acceptable". Not you!!!
And the IBS.........if people are that shallow to "cut you off" because of that or if you had an accident.........well that's their loss!!
They're going to be missing out on the privilege of really seeing the whole you.........IBS or an accident shouldn't define that in any way.
What you should expect, from anyone who matters/is going to matter is empathy, caring and compassion if you were to have an accident.
Blushing, IBS, anything like that doesn't ever take away your true worth.........your worth comes from the inside..........from who you are.........from your character..........from the way you treat others..........and you, d.o.a. are very worthy

Alison