Hayley Brooks

The opposite of shame is pride. 

A quick reply is okay. I have a choice here. And my time is mine.

I’m a little sad and a little scared to assume my power as an adult person in this world. So because I am an action-item oriented human, I’m choosing to (at least try to) cancel out the self-doubt with self-love.

If we’re going to be absurd, let’s at least be aware of how silly all of this is while we’re doing it. Let’s call ourselves out and police each other, and try to be better – more present, and more real. 

My psychobabble happened to me on a third date; yes, a couple drinks in. Having not been on one of these in a while, I was fixated on the social pressures of everything the occurrence connotes: maybe we extend the evening a little more, maybe we air some dirty laundry.

Extra strength Tylenol

A part of me is scared to shine at the level I know that I have within me.

To those who took the next step in their relationships: I am in such deep admiration for what you have found with your partners. You are in healthy, supportive, loving situations and it is a damn beautiful thing. Seeing what you all have encourages me to hold out for the real thing.

Thanksgiving in your twenties is like realizing you’re Holden Caulfield looking up at the rye cliff from below. You’ve made the plunge into adulthood, and it’s impossible to jump back up to how things were when you were little.

7:30 pm: Put on my pink tie dye monogrammed terry cloth robe, wrap my hair in a towel hat, and complete the look with those L.L. Bean furry moccasins that feel like clouds. This is the best night ever and I’m fucking killing it.

I’m sorry for passing judgment when I should’ve approached a situation, or individual, with open-mindedness and compassion.

It means my 9-to-5 job doesn’t have to define me. There’s quantifiably more to my story.