5 September 2021 – Every day is another chance to try new things and learn more. Little by little, I feel more sunshine on my face. This last week I started something new that I have wanted to do for a long time, and it finally felt right. It’s difficult, and definitely outside my comfort zone, but these are also the reasons I love it so much. I’ve also been working hard not to work so hard. It’s tough for me, but little by little, I am spending more time relaxing. Sometimes on the beach, sometimes reading or watching a movie. Every positive thought and positive activity is a step toward my new tomorrow. Each of us grows in various ways.

Sometimes I have trouble identifying my emotions or expressing my thoughts, but then I read something or hear something, and it hits home. The following is a list of things I have read or heard over the last couple of weeks that have spoken to me.

• You can feel when someone ain’t being real with you, energy never lies.
• Never give up on someone you can’t go a day without thinking about.
• We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.
• If you have the power to eat alone in a restaurant or sit alone in a theater, then you can do anything in life.
• “In order to empathize with someone’s experience you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be.” – Brene Brown
• I remove myself before I allow anger to consume me.
• Someday, you’ll realize it wasn’t your fault.
• It’s okay to disappear for a while until you feel like you again. Remember that.
• The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.
• Depression isn’t always dark rooms and crying endlessly. Sometimes it’s getting up, going to work and smiling and laughing all day and then coming home to sit quietly doing little to nothing until it’s time to go to bed.
• Even if I were the brightest star in the sky, I would still be in the dark.
• Maybe we’re all hypocrites. That’s how we get through life.
• You need to have more faith in me and in yourself.
• A strong woman will automatically stop trying if she feels unwanted. She won’t fix it or beg, she’ll just walk away.
• If you really want something, you make time for it. You figure out how to make it work.
• We all have a past. We have all made choices that maybe weren’t the best ones. None of us are completely innocent, but we all get a fresh start every day to be a better person than we were yesterday.
• Pain changes people. It makes them trust less, overthink more and shut people out.
• I’m at a place in my life where I promise you I will not deal with anything I don’t have to. My peace is my priority.
• I admit I have my flaws and imperfections. I love too much and give too fast. I’m loyal but when I’m done, I’m done. I’m not changing anytime soon.
• “I hate that moment when you hear something that kills you inside, but you have to act like you’re fine.” – Rachel Wolchin
• Sometimes you have to say, “It’s okay. I understand,” with tears in your eyes.
• When I give you my time, I am giving you a portion of my life that I will never get back. So, please don’t make me regret it.
• Stop waiting for everything to be perfect to be happy.

Little by little I am learning more about myself and the life I want to live. May you do the same.