Own.

Growing up I was taught to own.

Own my successes.

Moreover, own my failures.

Take ownership of myself.

It has been less than easy.

At times nearly impossible.

I can only imagine what my parents must think of my current predicaments.

But what I do know is that they weren't ones to coddle.

They were the kind of parents who would have held up a mirror.

I don't have anyone to do that now except myself.

No partner.

No parents.

No siblings.

No family members within close proximity.

Friends who have found they are better to judge than lend a heart.

I have been forced to hold a mirror up for myself.

Not going to lie.

I'm ok with what I see.

Actually I am proud.

I found the strength to stand up for what I deserve.

I found the courage to ask for what I want.

I have discovered the answers lie not where I had thought, yet I realized the answers were in me the whole time.

I have seen people for who they are.

And realized it isn't always pretty.

In fact it hurts.

But all we need is ourselves.

And may we all be compassionate to those who may need it.

A quote which caught me, and was said by my new favorite character, the Dowager Countess is as follows,

She said, "a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears."

I hope we can all extend care, when we see those in need.

All of us.

And whatever we may choose to be, please own it.

Xoxo,

C.