“I can celebrate where I am now, as long as I send love to the “me’s” along the way.”

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These sweet words from Jonathan Van Ness today have me thinking about all the versions of “Jamie” I’ve shed, like old skin, in my journey towards this moment.

Sometimes I get caught up in regretting—

if only I’d held my tongue,

if only I’d seen it through,

if only I’d stayed,

if only I’d left sooner,

if only I’d been more patient, kinder, gentler, louder, braver,

Etc.

Etc.

Etc.

•

If only it wasn’t so easy to look back with cruel eyes on a girl who was just trying to figure things out.

•

“Easy, tiger,”

I tell myself.

I forgive myself the mistakes.

The pain they brought didn’t last,

but the lessons they taught remain.

And here I am.

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Song: Hold on You - Valley Queen