I was given six months to live at 20. Years later, I'm a thriving college grad with a life partner.

Tech Insider
a woman looking out at the sky
The author, not pictured, was given six months to live.

The Good Brigade

My husband and I have been vegetarian for almost 50 years. We don't miss meat, and we get our protein from beans, chickpeas, and morning smoothies.

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Louisa Rogers and her husband eating dinner in Kızkalesi at sunset.
Louisa Rogers and her husband eat a vegetarian diet.

Courtesy Louisa Rogers

I became a widow after 45 years of marriage. It's been 3 years and I'm still grieving.

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Couple posing for a photo
The author and her husband were married for 45 years before he died.

Courtesy of the author

I was at the Copa America final in Miami. Getting in was chaotic and I worried about a stampede.

Tech Insider : Sports
Couple posing in Argentina gear at Miami stadium during Copa America final
Andrea Persson went to see the final match with her husband and described the chaotic scenes trying to enter the stadium.

Courtesy of Andrea Persson

I got married at 18 to my boyfriend of 6 months to help pay for college. It was the worst decision I ever made.

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ronni benson with her arms in the air, smiling, in an open field
The author married in college to save money; now she's happily divorced.

Courtesy of Ronni Benson

My mom died when I was 8. I only have a few years of memories with her, but I become more like her all the time.

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Isabella Ambrosio with her mother sitting outside on a deck when she was a toddler. Her mother is wearing sunglasses and smiling.
Isabella Ambrosio's mother died just before she turned 8, but she grew up to be just like her.

Courtesy Isabella Ambrosio

I dated a younger guy until I learned he had another girlfriend. I became good friends with the other woman.

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Nadine robinson smiling in a selfie on the beach
The author befriended her ex-boyfriend's other woman.

Courtesy of Nadine Robinson

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

Tech Insider
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.

FG Trade/Getty Images

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.

AzmanL/Getty Images

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