Reading this takes me back to the day when Jaya randomly asked me: Ms. Pat, why are you so peaceful? Her question caught me by surprise; I didn't know I was living so peacefully until she pointed it out. Those were the days my anxiety skyrocketed and there she was telling me: You're living such a peaceful life. What an irony! But I guess what she meant was why I was okay living as if I were alone, as if everyone and everything else didn't matter.

Both Takeaway #1: Being True to Yourself and Takeaway #2: Value-based decisions led me to Takeaway #3: Detachment. I've learned never to turn away from the things, beliefs, and values that make up who I am and who I want to become. It's truly a difficult and bloody process, but once things are in place, one will realize that achieving a peaceful life doesn't require magic. If we could only look within and realize that we've been given all that's required to live with genuine bliss (Takeaway #4: Gratitude), we could reach the coveted peaceful state easier.

I ended up telling her that I don't need everything and everyone to stay with me, believe in me, and care for me. I just need those who matter to stick around. As for the rest, what they say and they do, don't matter.