35 years taught me .....

Reflecting on 35 years of life experience teaches us many invaluable truths about courage, relationships, and self-worth. One powerful insight is the importance of listening to and leaning into your gut feelings. Intuition often guides us better than overanalyzing situations, especially when it comes to personal choices and relationships. Another lesson is not to chase what wants to walk away. This emphasizes respecting others' decisions and recognizing when it’s time to let go instead of forcing connections that no longer serve your well-being. Communication, or a lack thereof, plays a critical role in any relationship. Without open dialogue, even the strongest bonds can weaken and eventually break. Life’s seasons change, and understanding this natural ebb and flow helps in managing expectations and relationships. Sometimes it’s about pushing through challenges with strength and good courage, as the quote aptly encourages. Maintaining your confidence and personal dignity is essential, even if it means embracing your unique style—like wearing a wig or owning your choice of utensil—as symbols of self-acceptance. A tilted crown remains a crown; this metaphor encourages resilience and reminds us that setbacks don’t diminish our worth. Real community and true friendship stick like crazy glue—they support you through ups and downs without conditions. Being persistent or a 'pest' when needed to get answers shows the importance of advocating for yourself in relationships and life. And if you benefit from “pretty privilege,” it’s important to carry that light with kindness and respect, uplifting others rather than dimming your shine or theirs. Ultimately, these reflections create a blueprint for living authentically while valuing courage, connection, and kindness, inspiring us all to be strong and courageous in our journey.