Charlene is a joy to have in class, but she lacks confidence and needs constant reassurance.” ~Mrs. McCarthy, Charlene’s 3rd-grade teacher comment section of her report card

“Kids are so resilient. She will be just fine.”

I am

a doubter ✔️

a loser ✔️

not worthy ✔️

Words to live by growing up fatherless with a struggling single parent. Words to live by while maintaining my “resiliency.”

He walked out when I was one. Mom did her best, but did not take it well.

It was life as I knew it. By my early 20s, I had it down to a science: a steady flow of external validation feeding my craving for love and acceptance, armored with a sarcastic sense of humor and liquid courage to help carry me through.

Fast forward. I am now in the second half of my life. All but a few dominos have fallen. After a series of difficult events that began after my 50th birthday, including the unexpected death of the only parent I had known and the effects of isolation during the pandemic, I unlocked the memories of my worrisome and chaotic youth and path since then and began to write. And heal my brokenness.

I am

on my way ✔️

optimistic ✔️

deserving ✔️

Words to live by when I was sick and tired, mostly of myself and when I had enough. Words to live by when I finally found my way!