Brave Enough To Be Bliss

experience for me to feel things were a bit off and yet trust the depth of the relationship enough not to shut down, make up a story about what it meant about me, or even bring it up as an issue. I simply continued to be myself, discussed what I needed to, and trusted things would return to normal in time. I will continue to see Ginger and she will still help me, but I don’t need her like I did. Just like I anticipated on the first solo trip to Arizona, I can now refer to Ginger as myself if I question what to do when I’m struggling with something. And while I still hope to work with her someday in some way, whatever arises as the next step in my career, I’m ready to get to work on something new and challenging that will bring more goodness to this world. It will be exciting to watch Kylee’s next transition as she and Will consider expanding their family in the coming years. This is her time, their time, and while there may be changes in our relationship as a result, it won’t impact the love we share. If anything, it will only deepen our connection. And I no longer wish for a glimpse of us for either John or me because as pretty wonderful as our relationship was when we had one, it ended and is now only a memory. Everything I said about John in Chapter 19 stands, but the songs of the past no longer sound the same. I have created my own closure and can reflect on the past with a grateful heart for all I learned because of him, but with absolutely no desire to return to that type of relationship with him or anyone else. Instead, I wish for a song that has yet to be written and sung, but when I hear it, I will understand each word, believe it is meant for me, and be prepared with my dancing shoes on, ready for the start of the next incredibly beautiful thing. “Dignity— the word itself —has come to mean different things to different people, as many words do. It doesn’t just mean always being stiff and composed. It means a belief in oneself, that one is worthy of the best. Dignity means that what I have to say is i mportant, and I will say it when it’s important for me to say it. Dignity really means that I deserve the best treatment I can receive. And that I have the responsibility to give the best treatment I can to other people.” Maya Angelou

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