Just wanted to say I relate to your post so much. I've grown and I think I've changed in certain things too. I'd like to think I've changed a lot compared to when I was younger versus now. I recognize this in myself, and I think people in the past who think they knew me, would be surprised. It's funny how as you age, you really do get more knowledgeable and get more wisdom too in life.MadameRed wrote: ↑October 29th, 2023, 1:48:39 pm I've come such a long way from who I used to be. I've learned, become more compassionate, tend to think before I speak more often than not, and I'm hyper-aware of how I'm perceived by others. I want that perception to be a good one, so I try my damnedest to be better than I was the day before.
I've changed so drastically over the last decade, that if someone knew me back in 2013, they wouldn't know me today. Sure, most of my interests are the same, but my views, my opinions, they're all so different. Things I'd have said without hesitation a decade ago would never, ever be a thought in my head today. That's just growth, and while I can firmly say I was a little jackass when I shouldn't have been, I can also firmly say that I'm not that person anymore. That counts, that matters.
I've grown, I've changed. That's how it should be. People should never stop growing or striving to become a better version of themselves. Sometimes I wish I could start over with some people, so they could see who I am now and not be clouded by my crappy twenty-three year old self. She was kind of an ass, but she isn't here anymore. I, as I am now, am a person worth getting to know.
I suppose I can only hope that people are mature enough to recognize this. I try to see it in people, too. I can't expect someone to be the same person they were a decade ago. They experience life in all the ways that people do, and that shapes them, especially when they're a young, foolish twenty-three year old who thinks they know it all. If we didn't get second chances to prove our growth, we'd all be alone.
I'm done feeling maudlin now, I'll see myself out.
In other news, had a stressful past two weeks with hubby because we were both so very busy working and getting things done for family and then finally for ourselves. We were able to get groceries and most important of all, fixed the darn car windshield, which got a crack while we drove on the expressway from random falling debris (rocks) that fell from a truck. It happened so fast, but thank goodness we didn't have an accident or anything.
Hoping to have a nice dinner at home and just chill for Halloween night, our anniversary (of when we started dating.)
I hope your cat is okay. Keep us updated.
And then I have my rheumatologist follow up and I can unload all the reflecting I've done since my last appointment a few weeks ago. There's been so much that's been put into perspective ever since my doctor suspected that I might have EDS. I haven't been this confident about a diagnosis since the time I correctly guessed that I had a pituitary disorder. Like I keep having moments where I'm sitting there in deep thought, and then when the dots begin to connect, I'm like, "Wait a minute... Wait a minute!" We also did blood work, so I get to know those results too. And then one of my favorite games right now is doing a showcase livestream! 
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