Maintain healthy relationships with myself and others

I feel as if I’m less stressed about my daughter’s life (probably helps that she has an apartment of her own, now), but I’m wondering whether “healthy” and “disengaged” are really the same. It’s not that I’m disinterested, or don’t care. It’s just that it’s easier to resign myself to knowing there are things in her life that I can’t do anything about … and that THAT is the way it’s supposed to be. Again, much easier when the person isn’t living in my house. Much easier to send loving good wishes for her life, without continuously judging that it’s being done “wrong” because it’s not being done “my way.”

Parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s the most important thing I’ve ever done. It’s the thing that has helped me learn the most about myself, the world, and what’s possible and impossible. It has brought me the highest highs and the lowest lows (mostly from my own obsessive worrying!), the proudest prouds and the deepest loves. Parenting adult children, especially those still in their “teens,” has been an increased challenge. My latest lesson is to figure out how to express unconditional love and support, even when I disagree with my child’s path or decisions. All I can do is hope my message is getting through … no matter what, I love you!

I had long-overdue, open, and honest conversation with my aunt yesterday, on a topic that has been too touchy to broach for more years than I care to remember. We understand each other better now. And I am so grateful for the opportunity and the love that continues to flow to me from her and my all-time favorite uncle. Hugs to both of them!