Okay, quickly now as this was supposed to be a positive little story. I’ve actually been drug free now for a little over three years, and cigarettes I quit a couple of months later. My lungs have indeed paid a heavy price for this, but I refuse to ungrateful at this point. Somehow, I truly know I cannot afford to be. I’ve written a few times recently about self-love and writing, reading, therapy, medication and meditation have been real game changers, and I truly believe I’m taking baby steps on a very good path. Let me pause for a second and let you know that I will be 66 years old in early May? Isn’t this kind of late some of you may ask. Yes, it is, but I am certain it is NOT too late. What I have gained so far has been well worth any time and tears I’ve put into it. I also pray that these posts may help at least one person who may be sharing some of these feelings and doubts. If you happen to be one of them, please know that you too can learn to love yourself, you are definitely worthy of it, and it is not too late! Okay, now I think we should share a little self-forgiveness. To be honest, for over twenty years now, I have not forgiven myself for destroying my first career and the life that went with it. For the past two years, up until about a year ago, I would take Uber to see specialists for my thyroid and lungs, and with every drive past nice apartment complexes, subdivisions, bookstores, restaurants, etc., I would feel terribly sad and even guilty, knowing that I had totally screwed myself out of this lifestyle forever. Oh, by the way, I do actually have my own car now, and driving in those same areas, I still feel positive inside. OMG, am I actually starting to forgive myself? I honestly believe I may be, even if slowly, on my way. Please forgive me my friends. I know this was way too long, but I do want to share as a possible message of hope for anyone who needs it. If you are one of us, please remember, you deserve your own self-love and self-forgiveness, you are indeed worthy of these gifts, and I assure you, it is not too late to begin.