At the fag end of life, I wonder why I did whatever I did, and what could have happened on the path not taken.
I strained authenticity to prove a point to people who didn’t matter, and never stood by me. I followed rules which made no sense to me.
A few approving glances came my way, but were they necessary? Whenever I was punished, it was for being authentic and stating my view, or following my own set of principles.
I don’t know if the negativity I encountered was their authentic self, or were they playing a role too?

I’m thankful that I learned my life is my own, I steer it. Personally, I think this will allow me not to have regrets in the end.
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Certainly. You are almost at the peak.
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Life’s too short to care what others think, live up to your principles. I’m learning that now, and i hope doing better at it.
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That is the saddest part of the story, that we realise it too late.
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Good question to ask: “I wonder why I did whatever I did” Sometimes it is good to find out why so it doesn’t happen again. Nice six!
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Thank you, Frank! “Why” brings up flaws and deficiencies that make us squirm, so we gloss over it as destiny and move on.
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Those questions are the last effects of a certain Apple.
We have the gift of acquiring the knowledge of good and evil, but, unfortunately, not wisdom that allows us to be immune to the opinions of others.
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How I wish it was not so….
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Fine writing and hits close to home!
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Thank you so much!
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“Whenever I was punished, it was for being authentic and stating my view, or following my own set of principles.”
I encounter pushback or defense often when stating my truths or having boundaries. If only people always lived out of a place of love. If only.
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At this stage in life, I only look wistfully at unfulfilled expectations.
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It’s so hard to tell the difference these days, and I am as guilty as the next person too…
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True. Thank you so much!
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🙏🏻
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