I am Exactly Who I Need to be in this Moment

serves as a lesson for our present selves. This perspective resonates with me, especially as I contemplate my own journey and the person I’ve become. It’s natural to be perceived differently by different people — some may think I talk too much or too little, label me as overly confident, domineering, or even gossipy. Despite these varied perceptions and my own battles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I find myself in a state of contentment with who I am.

I’ve come to realize that the opinions of those who don’t share my values hold little weight in my life. I staunchly believe in the fundamental rights of loving freely, making autonomous decisions about one’s body, and shaping one’s future, provided it harms no one else. My convictions extend to broader societal issues as well; for instance, I would much prefer a leader some might consider too old over one who undermines democratic principles due to dissatisfaction with electoral outcomes. At the end of the day, it’s these beliefs and the lessons learned from my past that guide me, affirming that, in spite of the challenges, I am indeed doing okay.

I have a friend who was my BFF in Kindergarten, she went through a lot, and came out of it appearing to the outside world as angry and almost always either in jail or being investigated for something to put her in jail. She’s lost her children to child services numerous times and has been through numerous relationships that turned out badly. I do believe she is the person that her experiences made her to be…