I am talking with Justin and Angel about a friend of ours who is currently being taken advantage of by his girlfriend, and reflecting on how things have changed for me over the years. I feel like I have gained a lot of respect for myself, a lot more confidence in myself, and a lot more independence compared to the person I was ten years ago. My command of vocabulary is not that great this evening. I find it fascinating how some people seem to arrive to adulthood with confidence and worldliness, while others struggle for a portion of or most of their adult lives without reaching that same level. I have struggled with confidence and self control for a long time. I know a portion of that was due to my depression and not realizing that I had something that could be treated, but I think a part of it was an unwillingness to face some of the hard truths of life. Some days I feel like I’ve made real progress, but there are still days when I feel like nothing has changed. I feel like I am doing more of the things I enjoy while doing a better job at the “chores” of life.