I can say I don't have a whole lot of regrets. The only one that honestly stands out in my head is never going away to college. I think that would have made me an entirely different person. And perhaps, that's why I didn't go away. With that said, I did spend a lot of time up at Union College visiting Carolyn and Ellen, and in many ways, that allowed me to experience college life without having to do the work.
I think this is why I have been so insistent with my kids that they must go away to college. I don't care if they are at a college 20 minutes from here - GO (!) Get out there, and figure out how to be independent. It is far easier to be in college fresh out of high school than it is at 51. This I know first hand.
Have I had a myriad of experiences that have been painful? That have been difficult? That have caused me to shed more than a few tears? That have made me funny to mask pain? Why yes, yes I have. Some days, I spend a few minutes annoyed with myself for being exactly who am. And then, I try to shrug and move on. I can't regret any of this because my experiences have made me who I am. And EVERY single day I am learning to like myself and accept who I am, just a little more.
It isn't always easy, this thing called life. I think that's why we're all drawn together, seeking kindred spirits, looking for others to be in our tribe, to share experiences, to go on retreats, to take a class together.
We really only have today. Now. Us. Me. You.
xo
I think this is why I have been so insistent with my kids that they must go away to college. I don't care if they are at a college 20 minutes from here - GO (!) Get out there, and figure out how to be independent. It is far easier to be in college fresh out of high school than it is at 51. This I know first hand.
Have I had a myriad of experiences that have been painful? That have been difficult? That have caused me to shed more than a few tears? That have made me funny to mask pain? Why yes, yes I have. Some days, I spend a few minutes annoyed with myself for being exactly who am. And then, I try to shrug and move on. I can't regret any of this because my experiences have made me who I am. And EVERY single day I am learning to like myself and accept who I am, just a little more.
It isn't always easy, this thing called life. I think that's why we're all drawn together, seeking kindred spirits, looking for others to be in our tribe, to share experiences, to go on retreats, to take a class together.
We really only have today. Now. Us. Me. You.
xo
