It’s funny how life works out sometimes

My b-day is coming up. When I consider all the awful, alternate realities that could’ve easily been, I am grateful for the wisdom I clung to when I was young that it is better to choose the long, arduous road that has at least the possibility of leading you to a life you want to be
than to take an easier road to somewhere that will make you miserable.

17-ish me had no idea just how hard the next 20 years would be, but she hung in there.. . Periodically I’d be tempted to take those easier roads for a bit of relief, but younger me kept turning them down. I wish, with the fuller understanding I have now than I did then, I could go back in time to reassure myself not to let the self-doubt torment me because even though I lacked the fuller clarity, my apprehensions were correct.
37-me understands fully, deeply that all those easier roads would’ve led to a slow death in quicksand.

I’m not the sort of person who leans on faith somehow it’ll all work out, but it did anyway. Some strange blend of tough decisions, sacrifices, perseverance, the kindness of people passing through, and chance.
I am grateful.