Open Letters

Let the Healing begin

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At 60, I’m finally facing the pain I’ve carried for decades. It’s a heavy load, one I was taught to ignore because my emotions didn’t matter. “Just let it go,” they said. “Others matter more.” In my family of four, I was the “fish child”—the odd one out, swimming in a current of expectations and unspoken rules, never quite fitting in. My mother’s death left a void, and my father’s grief turned the holidays, once a time of warmth, into a season of extra chores and shared misery. If he hated the holidays, we had to hate them too. Growing up, I learned to bury my feelings. My father’s selfishness—his insistence that we bear his pain—came with emotional and sometimes physical abuse. I was taught that tolerating this was the price of connection, that love meant enduring. But it didn’t. It left me disconnected, not just from him but from myself. Now, I’m unlearning those lessons. My emotions do matter. I don’t have to accept abuse to feel close to another human soul. This blog is my act of healing—a space to name the pain, to honor the fish child who deserved better, and to reach out to others who’ve lived similar stories. If you’ve ever felt invisible in your family, told to “let it go” while your heart ached, know this: you’re not alone. Your pain is real, and it’s okay to feel it. Healing starts with seeing yourself, with refusing to carry the weight of someone else’s misery. I’m 60, and I’m finally free to feel. To those reading this, I hope my words help you take that first step toward your own freedom. You don’t have to tolerate abuse to be loved. You are enough, just as you are. MeganR Pronounced Me-Goner as me gone from the abuse and living a happy life.

To Everyone Saving for Tomorrow: Treat Yourself Today, Too

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Dear Friends,

I’ve always been a saver. Even before I had someone special in my life, I tucked away every penny, dreaming of the family I’d build one day. Spending on myself felt selfish, like I was taking something away from that future. Sound familiar? If you’re someone who plans for tomorrow—whether it’s for loved ones, a big goal, or just financial security—I’m writing this for you.

For years, I struggled to spend on myself. A new shirt? Too frivolous. A pair of shorts? Maybe next year. But then I realized: saving for the future doesn’t mean I can’t live a little today. So, I came up with a simple rule that changed everything: less than 1% of my money could be spent on me, guilt-free. It’s a tiny sliver, but it’s enough to spark joy without derailing my dreams.

One of my first “1% treats” was a pair of American-made zipper shorts from All American Clothing Co., snagged for just $22 on their Discount Rack. I chose khaki—a versatile color that pairs perfectly with my black and light green shorts and my go-to white tees. That small purchase wasn’t just about clothes; it was about confidence. I felt refreshed, motivated, and—surprisingly—energized to earn more. Who knew a $22 pair of shorts could do all that?

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose between your future and your present. A small, intentional splurge—like a coffee, a book, or even a new pair of shorts—can remind you that you’re worth it. It’s not about breaking the bank; it’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy the journey. My khaki shorts mix and match with everything, making every outfit feel new. That’s the magic of small choices—they add up to big moments.

So, I’m challenging you: try your own “1% rule.” Set aside a tiny budget for something just for you. Maybe it’s a gray t-shirt from JonesTshirts.com for $12.95 to wear with your favorite shorts. Maybe it’s a treat that lights up your day. Whatever it is, let it be yours, no regrets. In the comments below, share what you’d pick or how a small splurge made you feel. Let’s inspire each other to save smart and live fully.

Here’s to building our dreams—and treating ourselves along the way.

With gratitude,

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