I love that. Most of us likely go into blogging for very different reasons than what we ultimately gain from it!

Oh @marlyncabrera, you have so much wisdom, my dear! Yes, those repeat behaviors and choices — oh my! We find those narcissists because they are comfortably familiar. I can absolutely relate to how you

Yes, indeed! It's always therapeutic to write out the ghosts of the past, isn't it? I love how a writing prompt can dredge up something you thought was long buried.

I really enjoyed your story, @jazclassic. It really captures how deeply painful personal loss can be. The story of the mother and the daughter being torn apart by the loss, and then finding their way back

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it, @keila2022!

I am verklempt! Thank you so much, @cinnccf, @millycf1976 and @grindan. This contest was inspiring and truly enjoyable, and it really got me thinking about times of reflection, and of turning points. Thank

Great to see you, @adncabrera! And that's wonderful that you also like to write in coffee shops. There is something about the atmosphere that is conducive to great thoughts and productivity. Good luck

Yes, I truly did. I'm blessed with a good life, a great husband, awesome kids, and wonderful friends. And I do think coffee gave me courage! 😀

Thanks for reading, @verdesmeralda. Yes, life is a journey, isn't it? We can always aim to improve our circumstances and move toward joy.

Cheers! And thank you.

Oh yes, the word "toxic" really sums it up. I would like to say that I merrily skipped off into my new life. But in fact it took years to decompress, to detoxify, to extract that person's voice

Wait, what? Oh my! Why thank you every so much, @cinnccf!!

Wonderful!

Thank you for visiting my blog, @rlathulerie. I'm glad my happy ending gave you a smile! I truly am fortunate. A happy marriage and three happy grown kids. What more could one ask for?

Aw, thank you dear @millycf1976! Yes, it was one of the biggest pivots of my life, and I had a lot of fear to overcome to make that choice. Fortunately, I had a person to flee to... my sister, who lived

I totally understand that. Try those five minute freewrites with the @freewritehouse community. You might find that one of the stories you start in five minutes speaks to you and says "I need more

What a lovely tribute to coffee, family, friends, cats and love, @marlyncabrera! Your postcard to your son made me cry. No kidding... I'm sitting here with my coffee wiping away tears! That must be so

Coffee is a wonderful life love, and the perfect complement to self-reflection! Isn't it wonderful to have a friend to chat with over coffee who will ask you the big life questions?

Yes, the numbers are really startling. I cannot understand why one person would ever want to make another feel lesser, diminished, unworthy. And worse, why they would resort to physical abuse. But it happens

Thank you @wesphilbin!