Gentle parenting was sucking out the joy of being a mom. Now I have a trial and error approach.

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A mom and their child play under a blanket fort with dinosaurs lighted by flashlights only.

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My boss tried to trick me into staying at a job I hated. I interviewed behind her back and landed my dream role.

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a woman shaking hands with two people at a job interview
The author, not pictured, interviewed behind her boss's back.

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I felt isolated in shame after learning I had diabetes. Doing my insulin shots in public helped me accept it.

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Andrea Javor wearing glasses, a white t-shirt, and jeans sitting on the ground and smiling on the camera while leaning on a bed.
Andrea Javor started doing insulin shots in public.

Photo credit: Lisa Kay Creative Photography

My partner and I divorced after 19 years together. It wasn't the end of the world.

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a person sitting on the floor surrounded by moving boxes
The author, not pictured, is starting over after their divorce.

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I'm a grandmother and babysit my grandchildren often. Playing with them allows me to be a kid again.

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Grandmother and granddaughter are on the floor surrounded by toys

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My parents were always athletic when I was growing up. They set me up for success in my adult fitness journey.

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a yoga class where people are meditating
The author, not pictured, is now a yoga teacher.

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I'm from the UK and moved to the US 19 years ago. Time zones still confuse me, and I don't get why people love long road trips.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
A family of four waving American flags outside a court house.
The author became a US citizen in 2011. Her family accompanied her to the ceremony at a courthouse in Brooklyn.

Courtesy of Jane Ridley

My identical twin and I only started dressing alike as adults. It's the way it should be.

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mikhaila and aimee twin sisters
The author and her twin, in 2020. The sisters once pledged never to be caught together wearing the same outfit.

Mikhaila Friel

I've camped across the US with my 5 kids. Here's how to make your kids love camping.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Victoria Marie Lees on a camping trip with her five young children
The author has taken her five children on several camping trips.

Courtesy of William Lees

I spent my early 20s renting in expensive US cities. Life isn't cheaper for me in the suburbs, but it's better and more fun.

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Amory Rose smiling
I've spent a lot of years living in some of the most expensive cities. A few months ago, I finally gave up and headed to the suburbs of Pennsylvania.

Amory Rose

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