The Day It Begins

"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own.

No apologies or excuses.  No one to lean on, rely on, or blame.  The gift is yours

 ... it is an amazing journey ... 

and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day it begins."

Bob Moawad

Around the age of thirty, I followed my parents specific suggestions and carried out an action I was not invested in, but my desire to please them was strong.  When it was all said it done, they were far from happy with me and were very critical not only of my actions, but of my very person.  It was at this point 
I realized they were never going to be proud of anything I did, so I might as well do my own thing.

Although this was liberating, I followed in their footsteps and became my worst critic.  Their voices became blended with my own and the struggle to please continued to fail.  It was not until I realized I was still trying to please others to bring me happiness, so I began the long trek of discovery into what I could do to make my lovely self happy.

While nurturing myself, if I failed, it was acceptable as deep within I knew I could do better.  It was easier to focus on my individual core than trying to pick up scattered pieces.  It took me a long time to embrace empowerment and the accountability accompanying it.  It was a long journey to get where I am, and I continue on the path ... at least it isn't all up hill anymore!