Well, hello there! How are you doing? Have you been to London to see the Queen? Because if you have, I’m sure her corgis are probably happier than I am right now. I’ve been stuck in this feeling—you know, the one where you’re trying to convince yourself everything’s fine while simultaneously Googling “how to get a fresh start in life” like it’s a new salad recipe?

Lately, I’ve been feeling like one of those abandoned shopping carts at the back of a parking lot. You know, the ones that nobody bothers to return but everyone silently judges. Yep, that’s me! You see, I’ve been sad. And not just the I’ve-spilled-my-coffee sad—I’m talking about the deep kind, the one that makes you feel like you’ve let down every person who ever loved you, including that kid who waved at you from a school bus once.

Somewhere along the way, the vibrant connection I had with the people I care about has poof disappeared, like my enthusiasm after the third day of a new diet. It’s like we were this perfectly synced group, and now I’m the WiFi signal they forget to reset. And, just when I thought I was spending quality time with friends and family, guess what? I overheard them talking behind my back. Yes, I did the thing you’re not supposed to do—eavesdropped on a conversation that was clearly not meant for my ears. But in my defense, what am I supposed to do with all these unresolved trust issues? Go to therapy? Probably, but instead, I’m writing this blog.

Isn’t it just wonderful? You think you’re having a good time, and suddenly you hear, “Oh, did you hear about so-and-so? They’re really just not as fun anymore.” Cue the internal screaming. And just like that, you start questioning everything from your personality to your hairstyle. But hey, what’s life without a little self-sabotage, right?

Now, I’ve been through a lot of things, but I never thought I’d miss feeling like myself the most. And let’s be honest: that’s the real kicker. Of all the things in life—good food, sunny vacations, Netflix binges—what you really miss the most is you. The you that didn’t overthink every glance, comment, or meme. The you that didn’t feel like a ghost at your own party.

But life has its funny ways, doesn’t it? Even in the sad moments, I find humor creeping in like that awkward friend who shows up at the wrong time. You can either laugh at it, cry about it, or do both at the same time. I highly recommend the third option—it’s great for multitasking.

So here I am, lost somewhere between feeling nostalgic for my old self and making a mental note to buy a pack of corgi-shaped cookies the next time I’m at the store. Maybe I’ll even visit London one day. Who knows, I might run into the Queen. And if she asks, I’ll tell her the truth: “Ma’am, I’m just trying to feel like myself again.”

And she’ll probably say, “Aren’t we all?”

Bye.

Jd

P.S. Who is queen now?