Two years gone by, out of the blue I receive a heartwarming message of thanks.

A former student struggling to make graduation made it!

Long overdue but he finally made it.

He reached out to let me know how much he appreciated our talks and words of encouragement. 

If not for those moments, he claims he would have given up.

Hearing from him lifted my spirits and put me back on track with regard to my purpose.

In life, that is.

My drive comes from helping others.

I am reminded of my days after college, struggling to survive, no job.

$99 in my wallet.

I lived on dollar frozen pizzas until my first paycheck.

So yes, validation is always good to hear.

More so at midlife when you find yourself once again struggling with purpose.

Survival with purpose or merely survival to live?

Today is the day I re-validate my purpose in life.

It’s not merely to live.

I want to live knowing that I can continue to make a difference in helping others.

It’s been raining for days on end.

The girls are back from their trips.

Home is warm with their presence once again.

M1 bought all sorts of souvenirs.

A paper weight of a castle she visited.

I sat at the breakfast table this morning.

Indeed! the castle figurine caught my eye.

Why not give it a try!

I pulled out my sketchpad and pens.

It’s not so bad after all.

Coming home to an empty home.

Music indeed is therapeutic.

Makes good company.

I can’t help but think about the recent suicides.

Such famous people.

Who am I to think less of myself.

I cannot imagine the internal suffering that results in suicide.

I thought I’d sleep longer being alone for a few days.

M1 asked, “why are you awake you don’t have to make my breakfast.”

Yes, at 26, I still make her breakfast and pack her lunch.

I make sure to pack in a whole lot of love since they’re gone most of the day.

It’s my way of remaining connected to my young adult girls.

I’ll eventually be left on my own someday.

In the company of my music and house chores.

Oh, I mustn’t forget my knitting needles!

It would greatly help if there was a formula for this.

Shopping always nipped the tension.

I don’t need anything in particular nor do I feel an impulse for anything.

Less is more as one grows older.

I will be on my own the next few days.

Girls both out and help will be on holiday.

I won’t have to get up too early.

Laundry can wait until the load piles up.

I’d be lying if I said I’d be 100% ok.

I think this would be a good time to get myself out of my self-imposed prison.