Unsolicited advice
the fog clears, approaching 70
Maxims for life.
Claim the myriad capacities you have to realize your full potential, well beyond any attribute that may invite others to underestimate you. Exploring one's capacity is a life long, rewarding thrill.
Don’t let a label predicated on any “risk of victimhood” become your identity. Labels that others will want to apply, that may resonate at times, will limit your choices. Don't buy into that without understanding the implications. Lasting effects may be hard to recognize and deserve a lot of thought.
We all have parts of ourselves that can be labelled and hoisted in a flag to demand recognition from the world. Is one part more worthy than another? Is any part the whole? No matter how good it feels to belong (and it does) losing one's whole self to a part that is elevated by “the group” is not worth the price of entry, or the cost of escape.
Lost ground cannot be regained, though the lessons learned are valuable. Don’t be too hard on yourself reviewing those lessons, missed earlier, so obvious now.
I struggle with this one.
Some families seem to be that wind beneath the wings, so important in life’s journey. Others flounder, wings flapping, torn, despite best intent. Ultimately, we must all find our own way.
We are all responsible for the choices we make on that journey. Some choices cannot be undone. Discernment is a life skill. Give yourself the time to choose wisely, and live.