>they all seen so interwoven, but i believe that they are distinct. i do not believe in regrets. i believe in acknowledging mistakes and using them as stepping stones to find your way to experience, which is what should truly be our jumping off point to start each new day. i struggle regularly with how to share my experiences in such a way as to humbly recount them in hopes that someone else can see them for what they are: stepping stones, part of a worldwide pattern. human nature is human nature. even if someone is ten years older than i am, i can look to their life’s experiences and somehow match some of my own to theirs, and if i am attentive enough, i can look at their path and that of my own — or the choices i am about to have to make — and i will undoubtedly be able to recognize a pattern. something that occurs almost exactly as it has occurred in millions of people’s lives before me. and after me. how do we share those experiences without sounding like a know-it-all? without sounding like someone’s mother or father? why are we all so stubborn that we cannot recognize ourselves voluntarily putting ourselves into the same pattern that led us to such deep sadness and trouble once or many times before? when i can answer this question, i will be truly wise. and hopefully, that wisdom will give me the words and the ability to help others to seek for themselves.