* Re-submitting without the excess print, hopefully (and some editing):

Dear Addy:

Good to read that you are doing quite well and that you are kind of proud of yourself for how resilient and grateful you are, no matter the situation!

You asked about me: recently, I’ve been struggling, feeling discouraged, trapped… but reading your recent post encourages me, particularly your choice of the word resilient. I hope you don’t mind if I develop a bit the topic of being resilient.

Online definitions: capable of returning to an original shape or position, as after having been compressed; capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture, psychology today (paraphrased): being resilient is the psychological quality that allows a person to not be knocked down by adversities, difficulties and failures, and instead, to come back as strong as before, or stronger: to change course, to emotionally heal, and to continue moving toward one’s goals. Learning to be okay with making mistakes, big or small, is a critical skill that is tied to resilience and to future success.

* Being okay with making mistakes has been a huge struggle for me. Whenever I realized that I made a mistake, big or small, I obsessed about it endlessly and my energy was drained. I made progress in regard to being okay with making mistakes (and in regard to some other people making mistakes), and I need to make more progress, so … to be more resilient.

Well done on your new resume, on finding a better way to apply for jo, and lining up a few interviews! Please feel free to post again with an update anytime, and thank you for the encouragement!

anita