Lessons I’ve Learned with Age
As I write this, I'm sitting in a coffee shop, alone. Of course, there are other people in the building, so I guess I'm not technically alone, but I came here without anyone else, on purpose. I had a few hours to do whatever I wanted, and I chose to be alone with a caramel macchiato and my laptop. This is proof of growth, my friends. Ten years ago, I never would have chosen solitude when there might have been another option. I would have worried about what people thought if they saw me by myself, and I would have chosen strangers' perceptions over my own needs. Now? Who cares what they think? I like being alone. (And I've learned that very few people are paying attention to what I do. Most of us humans are wrapped up in our own worlds and our own minds, and even if we notice someone drinking coffee alone, we usually don't give it a second thought. It's just what people do.) I'm staring down age 40, and my next birthday will be the one decorated in black and "Over the Hill" signs and balloons. Lots of people dread this milestone, but I'm kind of looking forward...