Friends: I need to get something serious off my chest. Perhaps it's late in coming, but I'm tired of apologizing for or trying to be anything other than who I am. So, you know what? I'm not going to anymore. I'm not perfect by any stretch, and I make mistakes. We all do. When I make apologies, I do so honestly and from the heart.
I am a person who loves deeply, and oftentimes I wear my heart out in the open, exposed for all to see. I realize this makes me an easy target. That's okay with me. I would rather feel than not feel. I try not to expect things from others. I would rather be delighted and surprised than let down by self-imposed expectations. I don't expect others to be anything more than who they are, but an explanation is not an excuse for bad behavior. Sometimes I don't write or call or text. It doesn't mean I don't love you or I'm not thinking of you. I like to live in the moment and sometimes I'm forgetful.
And yes, I swear and I drink. I'm opinionated and sometimes too loud. I write, and some of that writing is racy. I like to wear the clothes that I wear and refuse to apologize because some people think certain things are inappropriate for "someone my age or size." I am not ashamed of my curves or my scars. I do not have a perfectly clean or organized house because other things take priority. I speak out on issues that matter to me. I also speak out when I feel others are being oppressed. I am a fierce mama bear, so be good to my kids. I'm an LGBTQ+ ally. I am pro-choice and anti-gun. I am a progressive feminist. I give a shit about the environment and take seriously our responsibility to be good stewards of the planet and the creatures--plants, animals, and other people--with whom we share it. I vote. I abhor bigotry, cruelty, and violence of any type. In fact, I am a Pacifist. I don't much care for politics, but I think it's important to know what's going on in my community and in the world. I am a plant-based eater, but I will never lecture you about your food choices because I am also kind and loving and accepting of others and the paths we each walk. I am trusting, sometimes to my own detriment. I would rather trust in the goodness of people and be disappointed now and again than become a pessimist and mean-spirited person. I don't like to fight or yell. I'm both an extrovert and an introvert, and if I disappear from social events, it means I'm overwhelmed. I am empathic and pick up on other people's energy.
I do my best to be a good person, a good wife, a good mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend, auntie, and teacher. I believe in freedom of and from religion, so please don't preach, proselytize, or tell me I'm going to hell if I don't follow your brand of religion. You can follow your own way and have my respect as long as you aren't hurting others. You see, I have complex and open feelings about spirituality. I consider myself a blend of Christian and Buddhist, and I'm 100% witchy. I believe in magic, and see it all around us. I don't care if that doesn't make "sense" to others because it rings true for me.
So, we can disagree on issues, but let's do so respectfully. More than anything, know this: I love and accept myself. I won't apologize anymore for being the person I am because outside approval is not needed (or appreciated). I am who I am, my own person, without reservation or regret.💕