GOD KNEW I NEEDED YOU

Showing posts with label self-care & personal growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-care & personal growth. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

WHAT TO DO/That Is The Question~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

October 19th: We are still waiting for decisions for at least 2 major changes in our Life, in the moment - and trying to cover all bases as best we can, in regards to the past, the present, and the hoped for future. Downsizing, again is on the table: we do live in a small space home … but there are things in it that need rethinking and junking. We are looking towards a 20-year Future together - but, we also know that both of us are living on borrowed time: that needs to be addressed.


We both have lived through deaths that involved house cleaning, following those events. We do not have children; and even if we did, we both know that the children would not want anything accumulated - we learned that the hard way following in the Grim Reaper's previous pass through. So, with this current change making waves in our life &  lifestyle, we need to seriously consider what to keep & what to let go. We've already done the culling 2 or 3 times previously, so there isn't much to sort through; but culling is once again necessary - and we'll be doing it with the echo of "nobody will want your shit": keep what is needed, let the rest go, remember it's all replaceable.

We're not going to overthink anything, because sometimes overthinking it can take the fun and joy out of everything and feed into a long list of doubts. So, we're going to take a deep breath and just go for it; leaving doubt behind this week.

The past few weeks I've been feeling a little guilty about the missed body toning days - but, taking care of Holland's medical issues, my dental issues, securing our home situation, uncomfortable necessary discussions, and planning for future gypsy travel is mental weight lifting … which, at this point, trumps the physical weight lifting & stretching exercises. And this 3rd Cussler-Fargo novel is lagging, too (all week long, I've been stuck on chapter 3) - for the same reasons.

Today, I decided to get back into routine - physically, with arm toning … & mentally, with turning pages and engaging with Clive's characters:

Darebee Dumbbell Triceps Workout is a home-fitness workout that helps you develop firm-looking, stronger shoulders and triceps. It is worked in five sets done with a count of 30 rest between sets and between exercises. It opens at the shoulders with 10 lateral raises for 3 sets followed by one single 2-minute lateral raise hold. After that it is triceps all the way: 20 punches with the dumbbells in your hands, 10 one-arm triceps extensions and 10 two-hand overhead extensions for 3 sets each. The hold chooses your weight for you. Whatever you can keep out at shoulder height for two minutes is what you lift today and it will be lighter than you expect.

5-lb weight Dumbbells
EA Set 5 reps x3
Muscles Worked
Standing Lateral Raises w-Dumbbells~Aim for 5 reps, x3
ALTERNATIVE~Seated Lateral Raises w-Dumbbells~Aim for 5 reps, x3
Standing Dumbbell Cross Punch~Aim for 5 reps, x3
ALTERNATIVE~Seated Dumbbell Air Punches~Aim for 5 reps, x3
Standing 1-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Overhead Extensions~Aim for 5 reps x3
ALTERNATIVE1~Seated 1-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Overhead Extensions~Aim for 5 reps x3
ALTERNATIVE2~Horizontal 1-Arm Dumbbell Tricep Overhead Extensions~Aim for 5 reps x3
Standing Dumbbell 2-Arm Triceps Extension~Aim for 5 reps x3
ALTERNATIVE1~Dumbbell 2-Arm Seated Triceps Extension~Aim for 5 reps x3
ALTERNATIVE2~Horizontal 2-Arm Dumbbell Triceps Extension~Aim for 5 reps x3

In this Cussler-Fargo adventure novel, husband-and-wife treasure-hunting team Sam and Remi Fargo, make a discovery while scuba diving off the coast of Tanzania, that others would kill to keep hidden. A relic is uncovered that piques their interest - and unknown to them - engages an unscrupulous man who is the power force behind mexico's ruling party, the ultranationalist Mexico Tenochca … and he will kill to keep that discovery from ever being known, because it holds a secret that could utterly destroy his powerful political party.

The Fargos will be hotly pursued through Tanzania, Zanzibar, into the rainforests of Madagascar, and across the Indian Ocean to Indonesia - where the legendary site of the 1883 Krakatoa explosion, will hold more mysterious information. The goal is to win the race of the exploratory adventure; the penalty is death.

Cussler~Fargo Adventure novel with an Aztlan link uncovered in Zanzibar.
This Cussler-Fargo Adventure begins in the waters off Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
1 day at Zanzibar City/Josani; 4 days on Chumbe Island: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHXhjOKTTb8)
Prison Island, Zanzibar.
Prison Island Zanzibar | Giant Tortoises: 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0npvsqeKOhw)
Treacherous waters.
Plan failed.
Patrol boat~1960's Chinese Yulin-class.
Mangrove Swamp

{{Prison Island was uninhabited until the 1860s when the first Sultan of Zanzibar, Majid bin Said, gave it to two Arabs who used it as a prison for rebellious slaves prior to shipping them abroad or selling them at the slave market in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The British First Minister of Zanzibar, Lloyd Mathews, purchased the island in 1893 and constructed a prison complex there. No prisoners were ever housed on the island and instead it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. The station was only occupied for around half of the year and the rest of the time it was a popular holiday destination. More recently, the island has become a government-owned tourist resort and houses a collection of endangered Aldabra giant tortoises which were originally a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles.

~Various Info Sources

&

Floating islands in mangrove swamps are natural mats of aquatic plants, mud, and peat that drift in the shallow, slow‑moving waters of mangrove wetlands, often supported by the roots of mangrove trees and other vegetation. How They Form: Natural floating islands - also called tussocks, floatons, or suds - are composed of a buoyant mat of plant roots, rhizomes, and decaying organic matter. In mangrove swamps, these mats often develop where the water is shallow and movement is slow, allowing fine sediments to settle and oxygen‑poor soils to accumulate.

Mangrove trees have stilt‑like or prop‑like roots that slow tidal currents, trap sediment, and create microhabitats. As vegetation grows outward from the shore, its root network can become buoyant when submerged, forming floating mats that can range from a few centimeters to several meters thick.

~Various Info Sources}}

By the time Chapter 9 came around, I was done for the Day: whiplash sneezing, non-stop running nose, itching eyes … I was ready for bed. It was 9 PM, so there would be no guilt linked to slinking off to sink into slumber.


Then … Holland's cell phone alerted him of an incoming; so, he checked it out.

(((GOOD NEWS!)))

TWICE

His screening results came back - he's in the clear: thank You, LORD!


And Lana texted him, asking if we wanted Bleu back - YES! Yes - yes!!

So, Holland is going to go fetch him, tomorrow afternoon.

If things go as Holland thinks they will (and as the inspector indicated, a couple days ago): we'll have a home & home base secured - and quite possibly, also that smaller slide-in camper we're hoping for.

These are our Plans, in the moment.

I hope Elohim agrees with our Plan that is formulated around valid wants; and goes before us to provides us with a workable solution. However, hopes are not the catalyst that brings about Elohim's activity. When Elohim is directing your Life … your chosen course of direction will be rerouted to bring about His purpose in your Life. I'm okay with that. But, I'm hoping, too, that His purpose dovetails with our wants (more travel & a small camper to accomplish that; Holland is, as I'm typing, now - doing research on Ghost Towns we hope to visit) & our needs (a fairly stationary home in a secure location). But, the bottom line will focus on His Will, & the situation is firmly in Elohim’s hands; we will follow His Will - whatever that may be. I want to be where He wants me to be.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

OTROVERTSSelf Care: Castle Rock-WA

I can identify with this …

Introvert never "fit" & I know I'm not an extrovert.

I can be really low-key = as in making myself invisible.

Or, I can be flashy = not as a statement, or a "look at me!" mindset … but rather just for me, just because I want color in my Life, and I like the color pop I display that particular Day. For ME.

People have never been able to [figure] me out: and truthfully, (((I))) have a hard time figuring me out; and spent most of my life wondering if there was something seriously wrong with me because I was comfortable in my own skin & didn't want to waste energy on the pursuit of "fitting in". Small talk bores me. Deep convo's revitalize me. Aimless social activities have me looking for the nearest exit - but purposeful activity will find me pulling out a chair & staying for hours.

Being comfortable with one's own company rather than bored with nonsensical busyness makes for a very small circle - a circle of likeminded people: and I'm okay with that.

I think THIS pretty much explains me in a way that has been hard to - until this article 😉

*************************

Otroverts: An Emerging Personality Type = Otroversion is all about making connections on your own terms

~April 9, 2026/Living Healthy

You’re probably somewhat familiar with some standard personality types, like introvert and extrovert. But a newly coined way to describe certain personality traits is starting to catch fire: otrovert.

It’s a new concept and not yet backed by much research. But that hasn’t kept a lot of people from musing on this emerging personality type.

Health psychology fellow Alivia Murdock-Frazier, PhD, explains the origins of otroversion and what we know about it so far.

What is an otrovert?

An otrovert is typically described as someone who can socialize just fine but doesn’t really care about fitting in. They don’t feel tied to group identity or approval.

The idea of otroversion is new. It was introduced to the lexicon in 2025 by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, MD. His book, The Gift of Not Belonging, was the first to put forward a definition of otroverts.

Unlike introversion, extroversion or ambiversion, otroversion isn’t a recognized personality type. At least as of now.

“It’s more of an idea that people are seeing in themselves and feeling a connection to,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier says. “It’s very new and not currently a fully defined or researched concept.”

Otrovert personality characteristics: Because otroversion isn’t fully defined in research, there’s no strict set of traits. But a few themes tend to show up.

“Otroverts are described as independent and not really fusing with a group or group ideals,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier explains. “But at the same time, they’re also emotionally intelligent and can fit in well in social settings.”

Let’s take a closer look at some traits of an otrovert:

A strong sense of independence: Otroverts tend to focus on being their own person rather than following group norms. “They may live their lives as autonomous and independent, without giving much consideration to what other people think,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier describes.

Comfortable in social settings: Otroverts can participate in social situations and even enjoy them. But they don’t rely on them for a sense of identity or self-worth. Otroverts often lean toward deeper, one-on-one connections instead of large group dynamics.

Little concern about fitting in: Otroverts can feel a sense of “otherness” and aren’t driven by peer validation. “You might feel like you don’t fit in with others. Or you do fit in, but you don’t care if you do,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier explains.

In his book, Dr. Kaminski points to artist Frida Kahlo as one possible example of otroversion in action. Despite being socially engaged and respected, Kahlo maintained a strong sense of individuality.

“She was independent,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier notes. “Her life and work reflected a person who could connect with others while still standing comfortably apart from group norms and expectations.”

Struggles of this type

Otroversion can be empowering, but it can also come with challenges. Again, this isn’t yet backed by rigorous research. But based on what we understand so far, Dr. Murdock-Frazier suggests some ways otroversion may prove difficult.

Being misunderstood: Others might see your independence as aloofness or assume you’re not interested in connecting.

Living in a group-focused world: Many parts of life — like school, work and social circles — emphasize belonging and teamwork. That can feel limiting if you don’t naturally relate to group identity.

Questioning your social needs: You might wonder whether not caring about fitting in is a strength — or something to worry about.

Wondering if you should change: If your personality makes certain situations harder, you might feel pressure to adjust or live in a way that doesn’t feel authentic to your preferences.

How it’s different from other personality types

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between otroversion and more well-established personality types:

Introverts prefer less stimulation and may feel drained by socializing. Otroverts don’t necessarily seek solitude or quiet reflection.

Extroverts gain energy from being around others. Otroverts can thrive at parties and in groups, but don’t feel compelled to be surrounded by people.

Ambiverts are equally energized alone or in groups, putting them right in the center between extroversion and introversion. Otroverts would probably fall elsewhere on that spectrum.

Otroversion likely doesn’t replace other existing personality types — and it’s not a formally recognized category of its own. Instead, it may sit alongside other well-known personality frameworks, like the Big 5 personality traits.

“There’s a well-researched extroversion-to-introversion spectrum,” Dr. Murdock-Frazier says. “Otroversion is likely somewhere on that spectrum, but we don’t have enough research to know exactly where.”

That means you could identify as introverted or extroverted and also relate to otroversion — like some extra flavor that rounds out your personality.

As research continues, experts may better define where otroversion fits. For now, it’s best viewed as a possible way to describe and understand your personality and preferences — not a fixed category of its own.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/otrovert

Thursday, October 1, 2026

DOABLE~Self Care 2026; Castle Rock-WA

Just a quick post tonight; we're kinda exhausted. There is a lot going on in our life, right now.

One of the [big] things took place this morning …

The Dr., Holland saw this morning, was good - and good to him 👌

The appointment was successful ⚕️; she was knowledgeable, and he has a new prescription that will be more effective to help him breathe much easier  🌬️ And, of course, in addition to what doctors and medications can do … he has things he must do also: (1) Avoid secondhand smoke: everyone he knows, smokes - & I am glad the Dr. added her voice to this issue, as I have done throughout the years (2) Avoid other things that might irritate your lungs: we already do this as much as we can - and we know the States to avoid when traveling 🚘🧳🗺️; EX - we both love AZ, NM, & TX 🌵🌴 … but our lungs do not like the flying dust 💨 Visiting has become risky, & we have learned that we can never live there, as was our hope. Also, common sense things, like staying indoors when wildfires rage; which we already do (3) Exercise: he needs to actively be engaged in cardio activity … I can help with this by including him in my daily exercise routines; the bulk of my exercises  are pretty simple, basically straight forward, and can easily be done seated when his knee pain flares up. Plus, I have weights he can use, too - from 2-lbs. to 10 pounds 🏋️‍♀️, 10 being max for both of us with our back issues (4) Control the body weight: again, I was glad to hear the Dr. echo what I've been saying for years. And, he will learn to like weight watcher meals 👩‍🍳 … I've cooked them for decades: they are good, healthy, tasty, and include "man food" 🥘🥧 that is not "rabbit food"  🥗 The snacking will be the main glitch. Holland is a junk food, sugar lover, snacker. He is a die hard "junk food junkie" 🍦🍨🍪🧁🎂🍰 🍩: this will be the hardest hill to scale.

He HAS to DO these things, if he intends to live a reasonably good & long Life with COPD 3. He claims he does.

SO

He has heard the prognosis - and we have both agreed to further exams & follow ups measures 👂

Less stress & more added "Life edge" with peaceful vibes 🕊️

He has me on his side 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

I have Elohim on my side ☝️

We both have Yeshua rooting for us 🤲

THIS IS DOABLE 👍

GO TEAM REDMILL! 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨😘

Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - 'I Dug Up a Diamond' w-Lyrics: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q6N4fU5PXs)

The next [big] thing happens tomorrow - we're hoping and praying a good report with that, too 🙏💝

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

FIRST DAY OF FALL 2026~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA

Happy First Day of Autumn 🍁☕️ 

That first mug of morning joy juice; scent lovely & savored almost reverently during that soft in-between space … when twilight hasn’t quite let go and the Day is quietly beginning - and time is quiet and mellow. Basking in the serene moments for a while ✨ We were never created to carry the weight of the whole world; just to live faithfully in the small place we’ve been given 💛

While Holland - and unknown strangers also slept in these quiet morning moments, I brewed another small pot of coffee & visited my Web Friends (Blogger, FB, ect.). One friend's post resonated with me; so, I lifted it & reposted it with my own thoughts & title, tagged to it:

SOMETIMES - THE WORDS~Self-Care; Castle Rock-WA: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/09/sometimes-wordsself-care-castle-rock-wa.html)

I also saw that my MOD PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE COASTER Pattern, was featured on Teresa's Blog Hop Link Party …

My MOD PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE COASTER Pattern, was featured on Teresa's Blog Hop: (https://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-really-crafty-link-party-525.html)

And, my Senior Exercise Plan 2026 post, was featured on Angie's Blog Hop Link Party:

My Senior Exercise Plan 2026 post, was featured on Angie's Blog Hop: (https://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2026/09/youre-star-week3-family-september-2026.html)

I did a lower body workout - with a warm up routine, before the actual targeted muscle zone:

For older adults, muscles take longer to warm, joints need more time to lubricate, and the cardiovascular system must adjust gradually. A proper warm‑up: increases blood flow and muscle temperature; improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness; activates balance and coordination systems; & prepares the body for the specific movements in the lower body session. Tips for Safety and Effectiveness: Start light, increase movement range as you warm up. Dynamic over static: Use moving stretches, not holds, before exercise. Match the workout: End with movements similar to your lower‑body routine (e.g., squats, lunges); Example: Before a seated leg press or standing squat set, march in place, do hip circles, side steps, and mini squats to ensure hips, knees, and ankles are ready. Stop if you feel sharp pain: Discomfort is normal; sharp pain is not.

Warm Up 5–10 Minute Routine: Perform each move for 30–60 seconds, moving slowly and with control. Use a chair or wall for support if needed.

March in Place – Light cardio to raise heart rate and blood flow. Lift knees slightly, arms swinging naturally.

WARM UP~Marching in Place; lift knees slightly, arms swinging naturally~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Standing Hip Rotations – Warms hips for squatting, lunges, or walking.

WARM UP~Standing Hip Frontal Rotation Arm Sways~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Side Step Jacks with Arm Swings – Engages hips, thighs, and core. Step side‑to‑side, swinging arms with each side step.

WARM UP~Side Step Jacks; step side‑to‑side, swinging arms with step~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Walking Lunges (Low or Modified) – Prepares legs for lunge‑type lower‑body moves. Step forward, bend front knee, then return.

WARM UP~Walking Lunge; step forward, bend front knee, then return~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Knee Lifts – Activates hip and thigh muscles. Lift one knee toward chest, switch sides.

WARM UP~High Knee Steps; lift 1 knee toward chest, switch sides~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60, if you can

Ankle Rolls – Improves ankle mobility for stability. Lift one foot, rotate ankle clockwise and counterclockwise.

WARM UP~Bodyweight Ankle Rolls; lift 1 foot, rotate ankle left & right, switch feet~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60 if you can

Mini Squats – Eases hip flexor muscle activity. Feet shoulder‑width apart, bend knees slightly, then return upright.

WARM UP~Bodyweight Bench Squat-Mini Squats only lower halfway~Aim for a ct. of 30 = a ct. of 60 if you can

This sequence helps seniors enter lower‑body training with better mobility, balance, and reduced injury risk.

WORKOUT~as instructed on worksheet.
Muscles Worked

I read a couple chapters of my most recent Cussler-Fargo adventure, & let the fact/fantasy storyline carry me away to the lofty heights of foreign mountain terrain …

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do, is relax.
Today's adventure takes the Fargo's from Kathmandu, Nepal to Langtang Valley, Nepal
Sam & Remi's Covert surveillance uncovers yet another mystery.
Giant Ammonite fossil.
Covert Skullduggery

{{Goliath Ammonite and Ammolite

A “goliath” ammonite” refers to a very large fossil ammonite, while “ammolite” is the rare, iridescent gemstone made from the fossilized shells of such extinct marine mollusks.

Goliath Ammonite

What is an Ammonite?

Ammonites were extinct marine mollusks related to squids and octopuses, living during the Mesozoic Era (roughly 240–65 million years ago). They had spiral shells and are found worldwide in fossil deposits. The term “goliath” in this context usually means an unusually large specimen, sometimes several decimeters in length, which can be of paleontological interest.

What is Ammolite?

Ammolite is a biogenic gemstone formed from the fossilized shells of ammonites, primarily from the Bearpaw Formation in southern Alberta, Canada. It is composed mainly of aragonite (CaCO₃), the same mineral found in pearls, with a microstructure inherited from the original shell.

Formation

Over millions of years, tectonic pressure, heat, and mineralization replaced the organic material in the ammonite shell with aragonite, preserving the shell’s layered structure. These thin layers cause iridescence — a rainbow-like play of colors — due to light diffraction.

Rare Giant Ammonite-Ammolite

Properties - Hardness: 3.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Red, green, blue, violet, and other hues, depending on layer thickness. Rarity: Only ~5% of ammonite fossils are gem-quality; high-grade stones are extremely rare.

Distribution: High-quality ammolite is found almost exclusively in Alberta, Canada.

Cultural and Gemological Significance

Ammolite was officially recognized as a gemstone in 1981 by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). It is valued for its unique, one-of-a-kind color patterns and is used in jewelry, decorative inlays, and as a collector’s item. Indigenous peoples, such as the Blackfoot, historically called it Iniskim (“buffalo stone”) and used it in talismans.

In Summary

Goliath ammonite = a large fossil ammonite specimen, of paleontological interest.

Ammolite = the gemstone made from ammonite shells, prized for its iridescent colors and rarity.

Both are linked by the same ancient marine life, but one is a fossil specimen, the other a mineralized gemstone.

~Various Info Sources}}

Holland's cell went off went he woke up - so, after he finished his coffee, we drove off to Longview, to pick up his inhaler prescription.

He took the back roads route 🚘 … so, I grabbed a pumpkin spice coffee from the coffee shop 🥤 in Castle Rock as we passed through. While we waited for it to brew, I laughed when I saw the "Caramel Sasquatch" flavor, I haven't seen before. In Longview, the prescription pick up was quick … I bought a Fall-scented candle 🪔 (which I will not burn until Holland's lungs get the "all clear" from the recent pneumonia flareup); & I avoided stepping on a pretty red leaf - it was all alone, and it seemed a shame to destroy it. MPO

Thru Castle Rock, up over Delameter & Coal Creek Rds., & down Ocean Beach Hwy. to Wal*Mart
1st Day of Fall 2026; a spendy Coffee Shack Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Logging on the hills flanking Delameter Rd., outskirts of Castle Rock-WA
Leaves are turning & falling, in Longview-WA
Thru Longview, up over Cascade-City View (Holland showed me houses he had help build & finish); loop to Westside Hwy, via Fisher's Lane & follow West Side Hwy to Castle Rock.

After supper, I drank a mug of nighty-night tea, & dove back into the Cussler-Fargo novel before turning in early - tomorrow I have an appointment in Tenino, & I need to be alert to make sure the partial fit is correct. We have a lot going on right now, I do not want refitting appointments to eat up the time needed to accomplish what needs doing.

The plot thickens.
The Fargos have the upper hand & are wielding the power.
Nighty Night Tea~Organic; it stinks, but it works.

While we are riding out the months here until everything is satisfactorily accomplished, I am going to be leaning into creating a cozily seasonal, contented, home atmosphere.

Fall contentment or well-being isn’t just about candles, cozy blankets, books, and mugs of warm, flavorful, seasonal beverages - though as the leaves turn & the air gets crisp, I do enjoy my seasonal treats 😉

This afternoon, I treated myself to a spendy caffeinated seasonal indulgence - the rest will follow in short order as the holiday season kicks in, full force, while we are in the PNW …

🎃 Pumpkin Spice Latte – Creamy, spiced, and topped with whipped cream: a fall must-have, even if the coffee shack cost is outrageous 💸

☕️🍵 Spiced Coffees & Teas – Flavored Coffees or Teas, with a dash of cinnamon, clove, or a hint of orange for a soothing, cozy sip ~ I have my flavored coffees & fancy teas fingertip ready, to brew & steep.

🍫 Hot Chocolate – Rich, velvety, and perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows = a PNW "must" during the "ber" months.

Sometimes slowing down, reducing stress, and finding joy in everyday moments is becoming comfortable in your own life: making peace with what has been & letting go of what no longer belongs. Choosing slower, softer, simpler; and realizing you don’t have to be who you once were.

Choices are being made.

Change can be a good and welcome thing.

There’s something beautiful about growing into a life that is evolving.

He’s not perfect. But he's real - & he cares deeply. He steps in to help with supper, laundry, and other shared space tasks when my physical battery is running low; he stays on top of the bills due & keeps finances out of the red; he is not overtly present sometimes, but he shows up for US in quiet ways: weekly "us-time" dates; thoughtful acts that may appear small - but are big in all the ways that matter; consistent love - sometimes covert, but always present. Faithful to God, as he understands relationship, & faithful to US as best he understands relationship. He doesn't always get it right, but he gets me.

And I love him. ❤️

A big part of who I am in this season of my Life … is who I am not, anymore.