confidence
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Because I Said Yes
Dear Mom, I asked the kids today what it feels like when I say no to them. Scotland said, “It feels like I don’t get ice cream. Like a beautiful parrot gets trapped in a bird cage.” Idris said, “It… Continue reading
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Unpacking My Layers of Regret
Dear Mom, When I was a teenager, you told me that I too often surrounded myself with broken people. That I’d seek out friends who needed help. Who needed to be fixed. Did it ever occur to you that I… Continue reading
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Progress Not Perfection
Dear Mom, Did you ever contemplate your success as a parent? As of a week ago, I would have said it’s my biggest strength. Being a mom, since the very beginning, has been the one part of my life where… Continue reading
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Challenge Accepted
Dear Mom, Have you ever felt like there was something you couldn’t do? Have you ever stopped yourself out of a fear of failure or assumption that it wasn’t achievable? Have you ever done it anyway and surprised yourself? Accomplished… Continue reading
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Taking Control
Dear Mom, Something unexpected happened to me this week. It might be due to some podcast episodes I’ve been listening to about habits and happiness, but I had a moment where everything changed for me. It’s as if suddenly I… Continue reading
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Flipping the Script
Dear Mom, “It’s exhausting taking care of me.” You wrote that in a journal entry titled A Day in the Life dated 3/21/13. I understand. Maybe not in the same way, but I get it. Your exhaustion was due to… Continue reading
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Beyond The Thread
Dear Mom, Each week when I write these letters to you, I inevitably type numerous sentences that don’t make it to the final draft. The nature of this style of writing, where I pick myself apart, leads to me going… Continue reading
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Searching for Authenticity
Dear Mom, I have always preferred running alone. On my own quiet trail. I’ve turned down running buddies. Said no to run clubs. I say it’s because it’s my time to be by myself and clear my head. And there… Continue reading
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Loud and Proud
Dear Mom, Last week I wrote about the similarities my children have to you. So much about them that reminds me of my mother. This week I’ve been wondering what you would have been like if you were encouraged more… Continue reading
Sober Letters to Mom 