25 Things I Learned from My Dead Beloveds - A Seasonally Appropriate Post

1. You can always change your mind.

2. It's powerful to be seen and loved for exactly who you are.

3. Sometimes people see you and love you, even if you can't understand how or why.

4. Even when it doesn't feel natural or comfortable, it can be really rewarding and gratifying to maintain relationships with your family.

5. And also - chosen family is important and meaningful.

6. Always say "I love you" when you mean it and when you feel it.

7. Go to the motherfucking doctor, even when it sucks and it's expensive.

8. And also, take your meds.

9. Be yourself, because there are people out there who will love you for it.

10. You never know what people are dealing with and going through, and sometimes it will be tough to love them, but you can still do it (and that's okay, even if it feels weird).

11. Have and enjoy weird hobbies.

12. Being kind to children (and, honestly, all people) makes a huge difference.

13. Never hesitate to extend a helping hand to someone who needs it, even if they make that difficult.

14. Also, accept a helping hand when someone extends one to you, even if it feels difficult.

15. People can be awesome and still be imperfect. People can be loving and still do damage.

16. Fully own who you are, even the pieces that aren't as great.

17. Also, don't be afraid to have a signature candy.

18. Calmness, steadiness, and a willingness to listen to people goes a long way.

19. Your job is just a job - don't over-invest in it.

20. But also, being good at your job will take you a long way.

21. Don't be afraid to walk away if something isn't right.

22. There are a lot of ways to be smart, and a lot of ways to be good at things.

23. Don't judge a book by its cover.

24. Showing up is the most important thing you can do sometimes.

25. In some moments, there's nothing you can do to fix anything, or make it remotely okay, and that really sucks.