Is it time for The Matriarchy?

It's a constant process that won't end until I take my last... which would be a bad thing if it didn't get a little easier every time, and if I wasn't so impressed with myself every time I persevered.

I've changed. I've been burned, melted, and formed anew. Despite that, I'm still me. I'm still who I was before, just different.

.... and that process is still happening. I'm still charging though challenges and struggles, going back into the crucible, and coming out on the other side new.

And... that's what this years picture shows. It was made for print, so it's supposed to be viewed much bigger. When viewed at the proper size, you can see how loose the brushstrokes get away from the eyes. How fuzzy and loose everything is basically away from the center of the face.

Shit still hurts, NGL. But it's different now. I feel less like a burned tree end, the fires consuming it from the inside out... and more like metal that's been through the crucible and come out stronger and better than before.

I did CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) so I could manage things better when every aspect of my life goes to shit (And it will again, I'm sure. that seems to be the nature of life)

With time, things got better. More importantly, I got better. I pulled myself to a place where I could deal issues better and overcame issues that have been plaguing me for years which I didn't know I even had!
I got a diagnosis for ADHD.
I learned how to handle RSD.

Summer 2022 was a rough one for me. A LOT happened which I won't go into, but it left be feeling... well, burned. But not like this picture. I felt ruined. Destroyed. I was sad and angry, and felt like I might burn out and crumble.

like this.