Member-only story
Realigning
Tony Robbins Views Life In Seasons, Sounds Right To Me
But this year mine’s in thirds
This year, 2024 to be exact — in case you’ve lost track — is the year my life neatly lines up in thirds. Big news, I know. I prefer to think of my life in seasons like self-help guru Tony Robbins advises but guess what — in 2024 my preferences mean diddly squat.
This is a story from my first third, roughly 23-ish years.
During that time I went from the stubborn kid who refused to drink milk to the one in charge of my siblings to the one sneaking cigarettes, Rolling Rock beer, and Mom’s car.
There were a few other things along the way but you get the idea. I was a kid with a defiant streak, and because I was the oldest of four sisters, our parents trusted me to keep “the kids” in line. I was good at being bossy. I was also good at hiding in plain sight through funny stories, a skill that has served me well.
My siblings also include brothers, an older one and a younger one. Because of his Y chromosome, and the era, my older brother was exempt from “women’s work.” He did mow our postage-stamp lawn.
My younger brother, 10 years my junior, was exempt from chores because he was adorable and the sisters couldn’t get enough of him — except…