-Experiences.

I had a conversation with a friend today - while it was meant to uplift them, it uplifted me as well. Dealing with depression and anxiety seems like a never-ending battle. But I can promise it's not.

This conversation made me think and realise that all of life's experiences  make us who we are. Whether they are positive or negative, good or bad...they form us. And it's our task to use them for good, for growth.

I think about some of my life's experiences: growing up overseas and having a cultural experience that not many are fortunate to have and how that has molded me and formed who I am today. My thoughts, my beliefs, my values. My first "serious"relationship as an 18-year-old with a guy who beat my ass every day.....and how I overcame it and can share and encourage others who may be going through a similar situation. I think about how I've dealt with depression and anxiety and panic attacks, many times over. Stubbornly not accepting the aid of anti-depressants but combatting it on my own, with therapy and lots of ups and downs....a whole lot of downs.

I realise that despite it all, I would not change a thing. These life experiences have made me who I am today. They've made me stronger, wiser. And if sharing helps just one person, it was all worth it. I am alive and a conquerer.

-That one outfit.

Ladies, what is that one dress, that one pair of jeans that just makes you feel beautiful...more beautiful than you already are? That one outfit that makes you feel sexy? What is that one outfit that makes you feel happy when you wake up early in the morning, grumpy, not yet ready to face the day but then you put it on and you feel like you can take on the world?

I have that one dress. Every time I wear it I feel extra-beautiful. I could be crying one moment and then put it on and I feel free! Happy. Beautiful. Gorgeously sexy. Match it with my black platform high heels and I know I am unstoppable!

So what outfit does it for you? Keep it handy. Wear it. Often.

Cereal...but no milk?

That moment when: you reach for that box of cereal (in my case the store-brand strawberry mini-wheats) and a bowl...open the fridge and discover....well, damn! There's no milk. Not even a tiny hint of milk...anywhere in the fridge. Standing there, door wide open, staring, looking, hoping, wishing a gallon (hell, even a half a gallon) of milk would magically appear.

Yes. I said "Magically appear." I tried to wish that milk into existence. Too late and too tired to leave the house. This is when you need milk (or grocery) delivery. When you desperately want cereal....and milk...but are too lazy to drive 10 minutes to get some. 

See, I rarely eat cereal and I don't drink milk, so I don't keep up on that inventory. You gotta tell me. "Mom! We have no milk!" But my son eats cereal without milk (Who does this? Seriously?! Dry cereal? In a bowl - with a spoon even!) 

Sadly, all my wishing and hoping....and the milk never magically appeared. I never got my cereal tonight...and this, my readers, makes me sad. 

The dilemma continues. I gotta get some milk.