My daughter decided not to go to college right after high school. I'm proud of her for exploring her interests first.

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a high school graduate hugging a friend
The author, not pictured, was surprised to learn her daughter didn't want to go to college yet.

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I drove 3 hours at the crack of dawn on a workday to see Charli XCX for the third time in 4 months. It was worth it.

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Charli XCX stands on a DJ booth at her album release show at Storm King Art Center.
Charli XCX talks to the crowd at her album release show at Storm King Art Center.

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My husband and I take turns going on solo international trips without our kids. The arrangement works for us both.

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Author Melissa Noble smiling at Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan, a series of mountains with a building on the side
Traveling without my family has helped me be a better parent.

Melissa Noble

I went back to work 4 weeks after giving birth. I had dizzy spells from how exhausted I was.

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Stressed businesswoman drinking coffee front of the office building
The author (not pictured) had to return quickly to work after giving birth.

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My family moved to Florida in 2016 and have been through 6 major hurricanes. We're staying here anyway.

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Family posing by the ocean in Florida
The author says she and her family are not leaving Florida any time soon.

Courtesy of the author

I'm 72 and still form new habits — and break others. Making promises to others doesn't work for me, but these 5 things do.

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Older woman sitting on the floor and meditating in front of a couch, wearing navy yoga clothes.
Louisa Rogers (not pictured) has learned how to form new habits.

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We traded our condo in a walkable city for a big house in the suburbs after we retired. It's been great for us and our grandkids.

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A runner on the Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River
We loved living close to Washington, DC.

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My daughter's disabilities mean I have to stay physically strong. So, I found a personal trainer for caregivers.

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A mom holds her handicapped daughter's hand.

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My biggest parenting mistake was making my kids the center of my world. Women need an identity beyond 'mom.'

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a tired mother holding a baby as her kids run around
The author, not pictured, devoted her life to her kids.

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I'm a mom of 3 and my house was full of stuff my kids didn't use. Decluttering made space for new interests and memories.

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Baby girl laying down in living room
The author had a hard time letting go of things because she had memories of her children playing with them.

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