It feels strange.

I've always been a loner, and now I'm actually alone.  I've never lived on my own, and I never realized how I've never been truly free. 

There's a lot that comes with this newfound freedom, but it feels good.  A good strange enveloping me.

The best part?  The warm little body that is curled up next to me, my darling Samson.  My precious little angel buddy. 

We are enjoying this newfound freedom together.

Thank you to everyone who has been by my side this past year.  I know that even though I live on my own (with Sammie), I am less alone than I've been in a very long time.  I lived in an abusive, negative relationship where I never learned to appreciate my strengths and celebrate my successes, but only wondered why I never seemed to be enough.  I am finally free, and I am so very thankful to my friends and family for letting me figure things out for myself (even though they probably wanted to shake me along the way).  I feel awake and free, and blessed to have so much goodness and joy in my life.

It takes work to be happy.  But I can do it.