Something really odd has been happening lately. I have been feeling super at ease, or at peace if you will; and people have been staring at me like I am an alien. I don’t know what to make of it yet.

Today, after rehearsal, we went to get pedicures together. Our feet needed some love and care. Usually, the ladies speak among themselves in either Thai or Vietnamese. My girl didn’t do that at all. She interacted with the other workers in English. She was funny too.

Every now and then she would look at me and say, “You are so chilled.” I would chuckle and nod. It sort of took me by surprise, though. As if this is something abnormal. I sort of teased her a little bit during our interactions and she made fun of me for having super tight calves.—No kidding!! That is the bane of my existence.

When she’s finally done, she offers me a drink: Do you want some wine? Hmmmm…yes? I am not a big drinker by any means, but it sort of sounded like a good idea at the moment. She said, “don’t worry about driving, I will just drive you home.” We laughed. Then my friend sent me a really sweet message it brought tears to my eyes.

My 14 year-old the other day said she finally understood what I meant, and said she didn’t need to be influenced by other people. I gave her a high five, and had a tiny celebration in my head. I must be doing something right. She still has a long way to go with her anxiety, but she is doing the work. Little by little.

This week is going to be really challenging for me, but I am going to try to stay positive and make sure I have a strong shield against all the shit that is coming my way.

Hopefully, come the weekend, I will be able to mentally rest a bit.