“My brother lives 5 minutes away, is 25 years old, and is dating a girl he’s really into- who knows how many years I have left before his new family takes over? My parents are turning 60, 65 and still living that adult, powerful, self sufficient, inspiring, life that I’m so proud of- soon that becomes something we all mourn for, and I have to watch as they let it go.” —How do you choose when you know all the […]

“So this is my predicament. The friends who could best comfort me are far away, and the ones who are near me are incapable of truly comforting me through no fault of their own.” — Friends in different Stages, Friends in different Spaces

“Living in Norway has been… interesting. I have adjusted pretty well to the cold weather, although I can say that with more enthusiasm now as the snow is mostly melted and the idea that spring may someday come becomes more solid each day. However, I am still coming to understand how much further abroad I now live.” — On Living [Farther] Abroad

“And yes, even our nice little plan of a scheduled C-section could go out the window if the babies decide to make an early entrance, which is certainly a possibility any time now (I’m almost 34 weeks!!). But, again, what control do I really have? Maybe birth is just the first parenting challenge, and one meant to teach you that life with kids rarely, if ever, proceeds exactly as you envisioned.” —Birth Plan, Schmirth Plan

“I feel so guilty for not fighting like hell for my dreams or the dreams my family has for me, especially when I have so much groundwork already laid out for me. I have all the opportunities, all the gifts, all the tools to settle in to a life everyone can be proud of – and instead I’m coasting.” — Indecisive and Stressed

“I did feel like a plastic bag blowing in the wind wanting to start again. And then I was being told to ignite my light and let it shine. I was in my car shouting the lyrics and crying simultaneously. I knew in that moment that I was worth more than what they were giving me and decided to act.” —Firework

“My mom lives in the US. And many of my closest friends and family members. Somehow it is hard to say to them (particularly my mom) that maybe I won’t come back.” —On How I Don’t Want To Leave Europe

“It’s almost like I, too, am experiencing the fluttering fervor of young love, vicariously. And with that comes fear and dread of what could happen if those feelings wear off and my brother’s first romantic experience fizzles and dies.” —My Brother’s Girlfriend

“Two weeks later and he gets married tomorrow. I’m not upset that I’m not there, not dissed or jilted, but I definitely do feel something. One of my closest friends is taking a huge step forward in his life and I’m not supposed to be there.” — A Best Friend’s Wedding

“I find it incredibly ironic that I’m turning 30 and I feel like I have more questions than ever. I think that in reality, the older you get, the more you realize you’ll never have it all figured out.” –Waiting