Adena M'lynn's Voice

I’m a citizen of the United States. Born and raised in Texas, where values like independence, grit, and hospitality were baked into the soil I grew up on. I loved my home state, but it too has turned into a hate filled state. I love the land, the people, the music, the food, and the ideals we  say  we stand for—liberty, justice, equality, and opportunity. But I find myself in a strange position these days. I wish the rest of the world well—perhaps more than ever. I hope other nations thrive where we’ve lost our footing. I hope they lead the way on education, healthcare, climate action, diplomacy, and human rights, especially where the United States has either faltered or walked away entirely. And no, that doesn’t make me less patriotic. In fact, I think it makes me more so. Because wanting good for others doesn’t take anything away from my love for this country—it simply means I’m no longer blind to the damage being done under the false red banner of “greatness.”  I step ...

by Adena M'lynn  In human relationships, the shadow of abandonment looms large, often brought forth by the silent footsteps of unmet expectations. These expectations, whether whispered in the quiet moments of self-reflection or shouted in the throes of despair, shape our emotional landscapes in profound ways. Yet, what happens when the scaffolding of our hopes crumbles, leaving us to navigate the ruins of disappointment? Let’s explore the journey of recognizing, understanding, and ultimately releasing the expectations that tether us to feelings of abandonment, guiding us toward a more liberated, emotionally fulfilling life. Understanding Expectations and Feelings of Abandonment Expectations are the architects of our future joy and pain, silently constructing the frameworks within which our relationships operate. They are born from our desires, experiences, and the societal narratives that whisper what we 'should' receive from those around us. Yet, when these expectations go...