To say all the things you’re ashamed of, all the little failings of focus, all the ways you Should Know Better (and do)– it’s a relief.

One person said, “You have a lot going on! That does sound stressful!”

Another told me a story about how he couldn’t remember if he even owned a wooden spoon when he was going through his divorce, so, “if you’ve let some things slip through the cracks…”

I don’t know why it matters so much to me or is such a lifeline to know I’m not the Only One. Maybe it’s an Enneagram 4 thing, though that just gives me some verbage and not an explanation other than: this is part ofy wiring.

Or maybe it’s part of my culture, my upbringing, my inheritance. I don’t know.

I can’t always find someone to say, “oh, yes, of course you feel this way– I’ve been there, too,” but when I do, it’s pretty nice. It’s like finally touching the bottom of the pool: I find purchase and can push myself back up.