The quote on our wedding invitation so many years ago still holds true: “An answered prayer he is to me, my greatest blessing she’ll always be, and so on this day we pledge our love, in the presence of family, friends, and God above.”

Here’s to you, my Bruce, on just an ordinary-no special occassion day, about extra ordinary special you.

by: Suzie Peterson

May 15, 2025

In a world that often celebrates loud achievements and flashy accolades, my husband is the quiet, steady force who makes life not only manageable but truly beautiful. He is a man of few words but immense action—a partner whose love is expressed not just in what he says, but in all the tireless things he does every single day.

A retired home inspector and an engineer, he once spent his recent days ensuring the strength and safety of structures, and years ago planning and inspecting municipal infrastructure—now, he applies that same care to the structure of our everyday life. Though he’s no longer climbing attics or reviewing blueprints, that analytical mind and steady hand haven’t retired at all. Whether it’s fixing a leak, rewiring a socket, or diagnosing a mysterious household quirk, he still approaches every task like the professional he always was—methodical, determined, and endlessly capable.

He also retired from working as a chef, San Francisco Culinary trained, but you’d never know he retired – he continues to create magic in our kitchen. He cooks with the same flair and creativity that once made him thrive in a professional kitchen, turning even simple meals into something worth savoring. The kitchen is still his canvas, and though he leaves behind a trail of spices and stacked pans, it’s always worth it. Every dish he makes feels like a love letter in flavor—comforting, intentional, and deeply nourishing.

We found each other at the right time in our lives—not in the rush of youth, but in a quieter, richer chapter where we knew what truly mattered. There’s something extraordinary about building love with the wisdom of experience and the openness that only comes after weathering life’s storms. In each other, we found peace, joy, and a kind of companionship that feels both grounding and liberating.

He is the house’s quiet caretaker, taking on everything from laundry to plumbing with calm determination. He paints walls, fixes leaky pipes, wires tricky outlets, and somehow still finds time to mow the lawn and trim the hedges. Whether he’s assembling a shelf, repairing a squeaky door, or building something from scratch, he tackles it all with a focus that borders on devotion. Problems are puzzles to him, and he solves them with such intensity that it feels like the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Yet, for all his skill and strength, he carries a gentle soul. Arthritis gnaws at his joints, but he never lets on. He keeps going, lifting groceries, hauling suitcases, and acting as our family’s ever-willing sherpa. He carries more than just bags—he carries us. With empathy that runs deep and never seems to run out, he cares for me when I’m sick like a trained nurse, and supports me no matter what whim or wild idea I have that day. He listens—even when he’s absent-minded—and stands beside me even when he’s aching.

He loves my children and grandchildren with an open heart, never distinguishing them as “mine” or “his”—only “ours.” Watching him with them is watching unconditional love in motion. He is playful, generous, intelligent, and deeply kind, a presence that offers safety and warmth, and a respected role model in our family.

He is neat in intention, if not always in practice—his tools may end up scattered, and the kitchen sometimes tells the story of a storm of spices.  He doesn’t sweat the small things, and he certainly never criticizes. His love is steady and unwavering, never based on appearances or expectations.

He is a gentleman in every sense: respectful, reserved, and endlessly considerate. He’s the one who notices when I need a hand but does not notice my ol’ grammie nightgown and my “crazy grammie hair,” as our grandchildren call it. In that, there is great grace—he sees me, not my clothes, not my flaws, just me.

In short, my husband is the kind of man who may not shout his virtues from the rooftops, but he lives them out in quiet, powerful ways. He is the heartbeat of our home—the problem-solver, the comforter, the builder, the cook, the nurse, the partner, and the friend. Perfectly imperfect, wonderfully human, and endlessly loved. And I love you so, my Bruce-the-man.

May everyone have the chance to have a love like ours!

Copyright ©2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

“Things are not asking to be judged by you,” Marcus Aurelius writes in his Meditations. “Remember, you always have the power to have no opinion. Most things in life are better off without your judgment hovering over them.“

by: Suzie Peterson

May 10, 2025

Our nature as humans – we are full of contradictions—we are, in many ways, so simple, yet deeply complex. At our core, we all crave similar things: connection, trust, belonging. These basic desires make us relatable and easy to understand on the surface. But how we communicate, protect, or hide those needs can be surprisingly complicated. This double-sided nature is one of the main reasons why first impressions often don’t capture who someone truly is.

We’re taught that first impressions matter, and that they do. They shape how we see others from the beginning and can influence how we treat them. However, experience has taught me something more important: that first impressions can be incomplete, and sometimes completely wrong.

Not everyone shows their true self right away. Some people are quiet, nervous, or cautious when meeting someone new. Others might act differently than they normally would because they’re unsure of how they’ll be received. I’ve found that the people who seem distant at first often turn out to be incredibly kind, thoughtful, and trustworthy once they feel safe enough to open up.

Getting to know someone takes time. Real trust and connection grow gradually, not instantly. When people feel comfortable, their real personalities come forward—their humor, their warmth, their depth. You start to see the parts of them that weren’t obvious at first, and often those are the qualities that matter most.

It’s generally a good idea to be slow to judge others because jumping to conclusions about someone’s character or motivations based on limited information or how they look can lead to misunderstandings, may cause harm, and may cause you to lose opportunities.

So yes, pay attention to your first impressions, but don’t let them be the final judgment. Give people room to be themselves. Some of the most unforgettable individuals are the ones who take time to unfold.

Copyright ©2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

“Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; argument an exchange of ignorance.” – Robert Quillen, journalist

by: Suzie Peterson

May 10, 2025

In any political conversation, especially between people with opposing viewpoints, there’s often an unspoken expectation: persuasion. One person explains their beliefs, hoping the other will see the light and change theirs. But when it comes to deeply held political stances—ones shaped by years of lived experience, values, identity, and information sources—the reality is that these conversations rarely end in changed minds. And that’s okay.

You and I are not going to change each other’s political views, not because one of us isn’t capable of listening or thinking critically, but because political beliefs are deeply rooted. They tie into how we see the world, whom we trust, and what we prioritize. Changing a political stance isn’t like updating a phone app—it’s more like rethinking your place in the world. That doesn’t happen in the course of one conversation—or even many.

More importantly, trying to “win” an argument often turns a discussion into a battle, where the goal becomes victory rather than understanding. When that happens, empathy disappears, and walls go up. In that dynamic, neither of us is truly listening; we’re just waiting to respond. Instead of growing closer to the truth, we end up more entrenched.

Many people push the limits of their beliefs so forcefully that they end up imposing their point of view on others; sometimes they know what they are doing, and sometimes they don’t realize it. When it comes to sensitive topics like politics and religion, it’s important to pause and practice honest self-reflection. Taking a breath and stepping back can reveal more than we might expect, about ourselves. The truth is, we’re unlikely to change each other’s minds through confrontation, so we have to ask ourselves: is all the noise and conflict really worth it?

That doesn’t mean the conversation is worthless. While we may not change each other’s minds, we can learn what the other values, fears, and hopes for. We can gain insight into the human being behind the political label. 

Even when we disagree—sometimes especially when we disagree—there’s room for respect. Disagreement should never silence us or take away our right to speak.  

And it should never involve bullying, making fun of others, speaking with condescension, or the assumption that our opinion is the only one. Mocking others undermines respectful dialogue. 

So no, we’re not going to change each other’s political or religious stance. But we can change the way we relate to one another. We can replace hostility with gentle curiosity, condescension with patience, and certainty with humility. And maybe, in time, that shift will do more good than winning any argument about politics or religion ever could.

Copyright ©2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

by: Suzie Peterson

May 9, 2025

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
— Epictetus

We live in an era of instant gratification and even faster opinions. Social media encourages speed over reflection, and outrage over understanding. The moment anything happens—whether public, personal, or somewhere in between—the pressure to comment, condemn, or take sides kicks in.

The hard truth: reacting quickly isn’t the same as responding wisely.

Too often, people jump into the middle of situations they don’t fully understand. They post based on half-truths, vague screenshots, or the loudest voice in the room. Facts get buried beneath assumptions. Context is ignored. And the cycle of online drama spins out of control before the full story even has a chance to unfold.

Here’s the thing: not everything needs your immediate opinion. And more importantly, not every situation is what it first appears to be. Sometimes, the most responsible, respectful thing you can do is wait.

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know enough about this yet.” It’s okay to withhold judgment until the dust settles and more information becomes available. In fact, doing so shows maturity and emotional intelligence. Jumping in with a hot take might earn a few likes, but if you’re wrong—or worse, if you’re part of the problem—you’re the one left backpedaling while others quietly take note.

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
— Will Rogers

That may sound harsh, but it’s a reminder that restraint is powerful. Silence, when intentional, is not weakness. It’s often a sign of wisdom.

Next time you’re tempted to post a passionate reaction in real time, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do I have all the facts?
  
• Is this my place to speak?
  
• Am I adding clarity—or just more noise?
  

We don’t need more reactive drama. We need a more thoughtful presence. So breathe. Wait. Reflect. Let the truth rise before you rush to speak.

Because sometimes, a moment of patience can save you from a very public regret.

Copyright © 2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

by: Suzie Peterson

May 9, 2025

A neat, polished appearance communicates that you are dependable and organized.

There’s an old saying that “clothes make the person.” In many professional environments, that has long translated to suits, dress shoes, pencil skirts, and blazers. For decades, we’ve been taught to associate dressing up with taking work seriously—looking “put together” is often seen as shorthand for being responsible, capable, and career-minded.

But I’d like to challenge that idea.

In my own experience, the days I was the most productive, focused, and even creative at work were the days I dressed comfortably. I’m not talking about showing up in yoga pants and slippers, but rather clean, well-fitted, professional casual wear that allowed me to move, breathe, and think without distraction.

When I dressed comfortably, I didn’t feel like I was dressing down. I felt like I was showing up fully as myself—focused, present, and ready to give my best. My attitude didn’t slack off because I wasn’t in formal attire. Quite the opposite. I felt more energized, more at ease, and better equipped to handle the demands of the day.

Comfort Isn’t the Enemy of Professionalism

Uncomfortable clothes can be a huge distraction. Tight collars, stiff shoes, restrictive fabrics—all of that adds a layer of stress to an already full day. You’re constantly adjusting, fidgeting, or counting down the minutes until you can change. That doesn’t make anyone more professional; it just makes them more preoccupied.

On the other hand, when you’re wearing clothes that feel good—something breathable, supportive, and suited to your work—it’s easier to stay focused. Your mind isn’t stuck on your sore feet or how tight your waistband feels. You’re free to fully engage with your work.

That’s why I firmly believe that professionalism is about more than clothing. It’s about presence, effort, and how you carry yourself.

Clean, Pressed, and Appropriate Still Matter

Now, this isn’t an argument for wearing pajamas to the office, or the classroom in my case, or ignoring hygiene. Comfort shouldn’t come at the cost of presentation. In any workplace, appearance still sends a message. But we need to redefine what that message looks like.

You can wear relaxed clothing and still look completely professional. The key is being intentional:

• Clean: Your clothes should be freshly washed, free of stains, odors, or pet hair.
  
• Pressed: Wrinkle-free clothing shows you took care and time, even if you’re not in formalwear.
  
• Well-maintained: No holes, stretched-out fabrics, or obvious wear-and-tear.
  
• Work-appropriate: Context matters. What’s okay in a startup might not fly in a law office. Know your audience.
  

Dressing this way shows that you respect yourself, your role, and your workplace—even if you’re not wearing a tie or heels.

Understanding the “Why” Behind Someone’s Outfit

There’s also an important layer of empathy here. Sometimes what looks like a casual outfit has a deeper reason behind it. Those running shoes might be a medical necessity. That loose top might help someone manage chronic pain or sensory issues. That decision not to wear a blazer might be about avoiding overheating during a long day of meetings.

We don’t always know what someone is dealing with. Judging a person’s capability or commitment based on their wardrobe is not only unfair—it’s unwise. We risk overlooking great employees and coworkers by clinging to outdated ideas of what “professional” looks like.

Letting People Do Their Best Work

The truth is, people do their best work when they feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Comfortable clothing can support all three. A flexible dress code that allows for clean, polished, and relaxed clothing gives people room to show up as their best selves.

It says, “We care more about your contributions than your cuffs.” It fosters inclusion, creativity, and authenticity. And, in my experience, it often leads to better work.

So no, dressing up doesn’t automatically make someone better at their job. And dressing down—when done with intention and respect—doesn’t mean they’re slacking. Sometimes, it means they’re gearing up to give it their all.

And that’s something worth wearing proudly.

Copyright © 2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

---

by: Suzie Peterson

May 9, 2025

We’ve all heard it before — from TED Talks, leadership books, or that self-proclaimed body language expert in our circle:

“Body language never lies.”

Supposedly, if someone crosses their arms, avoids eye contact, or slouches, it’s a clear reflection of who they are or what they’re feeling.

But I want to offer a different perspective:

What if that lean, that slouch, that folded arm has nothing to do with personality — and everything to do with pain, comfort, or simply being human?

---

The Coffee Shop Moment

Not long ago, on a visit to a local cafe, I noticed a man leaning heavily on one elbow, hunched over his phone. His posture screamed “disengaged” by body language standards — collapsed, distant, maybe even rude.

Twenty minutes later, he slowly stood up and adjusted a leg brace.

Just like that, the narrative changed.

He wasn’t “checked out.” He was coping.

That one quiet observation reminded me of something we don’t talk about enough:

Posture doesn’t always tell you what someone’s thinking. Sometimes, it just tells you how someone’s feeling — physically, emotionally, neurologically — in that moment.

---

More Than Meets the Eye

We live in a world obsessed with decoding people. Articles break down “the confident stance.” Trainers teach the “power pose.” We’re taught to interpret posture as a reflection of character — but that’s not always fair.

Take me, for instance. I will very often stretch my back out and lean forward at my desk — not because I’m intense or engaged — but because my arthritic tailbone hurts horribly if I don’t give it a break.

I have a friend who constantly shifts in her seat and bounces her leg — not due to nerves, but because her ADHD brain finds stillness suffocating.

Another friend slouches habitually — she’s confident, charismatic, and very successful. But she also happens to be very tall and spent most of her self-conscious teenage years trying to take up less space.

You wouldn’t know that just by looking.

---

The Invisible Stories in Our Bodies

Posture is shaped by countless things:

• Chronic illness
  
• Joint pain or injury
  
• Neurological or developmental differences
  
• Trauma responses
  
• Cultural norms
  
• Fatigue, comfort, or simple personal habit
  

For many people, how they sit or stand has nothing to do with attitude or emotion. It’s about managing energy, avoiding pain, or grounding themselves in a world that often feels overwhelming.

And yet, we still fall into the trap of quick interpretation — assuming someone is “closed off” or “uninterested” just because of how they hold their body.

---

What If They’re Just Comfortable?

Let’s consider something even simpler:

What if that person leaning on the table… is just comfortable that way?

What if their posture isn’t a sign of discomfort, distress, or disconnection — but simply how their body wants to exist in that moment?

Not every posture is a cry for analysis. Not every slouch is a secret signal. Sometimes, a lean is just a lean.

---

Extending a Little Grace

Next time you feel tempted to decode someone’s body posture, pause. Breathe. Consider the possibility that their stance, slouch, or lean might be carrying a story you don’t know — or no story at all.

Maybe they’re managing pain. Maybe they’re neurodivergent. Maybe they’re tired.
Or maybe — just maybe — they’re fine, and their posture isn’t your business to interpret.

Because at the end of the day:

Body posture isn’t an exact science. It’s just one piece of an endlessly complex human puzzle.

So don’t judge the lean.

Copyright ©2025. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

Remember to Remind Yourself

Several months ago, a friend sent this text, which I edited to respect her privacy.

 “I don’t know what’s going on with me, but I am not in a good place. So many things are upsetting me and I don’t know how to handle it. I feel so angry. Things piss me off easily. I have too much stress right now.”  

I knew about the things to which she was referring, as she had shared her thoughts on several topics prior to her text that day.  I responded to her with some of what is in this writing. I’ve since added to it, and thought I’d share it in hopes of helping another person – beginning with reminding myself of these things when life gets a bit bumpy.

*****

I’m so sorry you’re not feeling at the top of your game and feel so much stress. The first thing to check is your blood pressure. If it’s high, it can be a contributing factor to feeling ouchy. After that – I know you are often worried about your parents, concerned for your husband, worried about the kids [grown-ups], and worried about the future as you head toward retirement – all rightfully so. Just those things are enough to overwhelm anyone. You’re not alone. Many who are our age and at our stage in life have similar worries. None of our families or situations are perfect. Some moments are better than others, some days are better than others, some weeks are better than others.

Try not to be too hard on yourself or too hard on the people you’re either worried about or angry and pissed off at. The only shoes we’re in are our own. We often don’t know the stresses others have with which they manage to cover up and smile through, or the stresses they can’t hide which are causing them to be cranky.

And then this – on a personal level, chances are that much of whatever is upsetting you or making you angry, you have every right to be angry about. So give yourself a break about being upset. At the same time, keep in mind that this might be one of those times that it’s healthier for you to deal with this not head on, but rather with an understanding, so that it doesn’t fester within your heart. You can’t change someone else’s behavior, but you can figure out why their behavior is hurting you, and then find your way through it from that perspective.  It’s taken years – too long – for me to get to the part where I understand the “why” a situation is causing me turmoil in my heart or mind. I’ve always realized that no one has the right to do so, but it’s that last follow through to the why which can bring peace. 

Over time, I’ve learned that whenever I’m faced with an interference of my personal calm or peace, be it a thoughtless statement or action of another person in situations such as a text or email, on the phone, social media, at a store, in traffic, or at a social gathering, to immediately help myself, I try to remember to  “give myself a breathing pause.” 

This can be done conspicuously if needed, and gives the immediate appearance of being in control of yourself while you go through your thoughts and choose your words. I breathe in through my nose while counting to six, then exhale through my mouth, while counting to six. If needed, I do it a few times. It sets the stage for me to refocus and to keep myself from reacting or overreacting. Then while in a calmer state, I’m able to rationally think through the situation, and attempt to look at it from the other person’s perspective. This is not always easy, but the reward for me is peace, calm, and a settled heart and stomach. In each situation, the sooner I remember that there are more ways to think, act, and react than just my way, the better off I am. It eventually can become second nature to approach tough situations. There will undoubtedly be exceptions, but for the most part, it works. 

In the bigger picture, outside of our immediate circle, there is also enough negative news on any given day – enough to stress out the most calm of people. The state of our country, for the most part, is not in a good place. We’re in the midst of one of the most horrific political situations that has been experienced in many decades, regardless of political affiliation. The many politics and policies or lack thereof, are affecting everything we touch financially. The old saying, “Money can’t buy happiness” may be true, but when everything costs so much more than only a few years ago, the increased financial struggles are more than most people have prepared for and it has caused extreme stress for many people. 

This situation does not help or make it easy for people our age who are retired or trying to retire. Most people in our country have been feeling the domino effect of high costs financially and ultimately emotionally, for a few years. Beginning at the top of the supply chain, all the way down to the customer, everyone feels the financial squeeze. Businesses worry about their bottom line. Employees worry about their jobs. Customers are cranky about the costs of daily necessities. Many struggle to stay happy while enduring such situations; we all have our own breaking points with finances and emotions. Maybe this is your breaking point. 

When you’re at your breaking point, your reality has to know that the only thing we have some form of control over is ourselves, our attitudes, and how we choose to view and respond to our situations. To help myself through times that I know I can’t control or during situations that are tough for me, I trust in my higher power, and pray while saying, “Jesus, please take the wheel.”  Maybe this or something similar could help your heart, also. 

Given all that is going on within our immediate circles as well as in the outer layers of our lives, try to go easy on yourself and your expectations of others. Go easy on yourself while working through how to best handle each of the things that are bugging you, one thing at a time. 

You are a beautiful, wonderful person and friend. Your family adores and counts on your love. You deserve to take any breaks, pauses, and breaths you want or need. Bad days have at least something good in them and most days have more good than bad. 

Now I have to remember to give myself the same advice! 

Copyright © 2024. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

Forgiveness Does Not Have to Include Reconciliation of a Relationship  

In the interest of privacy, I’ve left out specific names, dates, and situational details. Rest assured that if you are reading this, you can trust that it wasn’t about you.  

This was one of those times when I wrote about a situation not to send it to the person, but rather to just to help myself sort through it and to find peace about it.  After I wrote this, I just tucked it away. In reflection, I did find peace and have smoothly moved forward.  I decided that enough time has passed such that I feel comfortable sharing this in hopes that one day it might help another person.  Here goes…

*****

If you are looking for forgiveness, I forgive you. I truly believe that if a person knows better, they do better. But, forgiveness does not have to include reconciliation. I’m not interested in reconciliation in this particular situation. I cannot change you, but I can change my responses. Thank you for reaching out, but I am no longer available to be hurt by you.  

Perception is reality. I don’t believe it’s actually me you are missing, rather I believe you are missing having some fresh “dirt” or “gossip” about me or my family.  I believe you are missing having someone to speak down to. I believe you are missing having someone to judge. I believe you are missing reminding me of any negatives that might be or have been in my life or my family. And, I believe you are missing me sharing so much of myself with you and your family – a fault of mine – I did and gave too much, for far too long. 

I am far from perfect, and sometimes even too critical of myself, but that does not give you or anyone in your family a right to make fun of or disrespect any part of me – my thoughts, words, decisions, my looks, body, face, hair, what I wear, my personality, or how I hug and love, to my face or behind my back, like you so often enjoyed doing.

Right now, what I clearly remember are years of your mean words, judgemental raised eyebrow looks, and negative snippy, sharp comments. I am not missing being spoken to in your condescending tone. I am not missing making phone calls to your home – knowing you or your family are there yet choosing to not answer, and grumbling or laughing about my call. I watched you do it to others; I know you did it to me. I am not missing the feeling of knowing that whatever personal information I shared with you in private was being talked and gossiped about, critiqued and judged by you and whomever you decided with which to break my confidence. I am not missing being pushed,begged,made to feel bad, coerced,manipulated into doing things I didn’t want to do, no matter how trivial. And I am not missing knowing that whatever personal situation of mine that I shared with you was being cataloged with fine detail in your mind, and stored at the ready to eventually be slung back at me, in a mean-girl manner, beginning with your patronizing, inhaling statement, “I always remember when…”  

I have forgiven many hurtful unkind things that you’ve done and said to and about me throughout the years. I always forgave you; I always reconciled – your way – for the good of what I thought was a friendship. I picked myself up and brushed off from whatever betrayal you flung my way. I moved forward, forgiving, trusting again that you wouldn’t hurt me.  I was wrong, time and time again. Were there good times? Sure there were some over the years. However, I now realize that you had many more good times than I did, at my expense.  

While thinking through my forgiveness for your most recent insult, I asked myself why, why all of these years did I forgive and reconcile, so many times, generally with you not caring how hurt I was? The best answer I could give myself was that, as a friend, I simply believed it was the right thing to do. I guess I thought I was doing what my religion taught me to do – “turn the other cheek,” you know, don’t respond with an insult or in an unkind way.  I now realize that it was the wrong thing to do, for myself.  It took me much too long to totally understand that although one should turn the other cheek, that does not include returning to be hurt again. Turning the other cheek does not include reconciling. 

This time there is no going back, and no going forward with what I have misunderstood as a friendship. You see, it’s one thing to disrespect me. but it’s a completely different thing when you believe you get to disrespectfully make fun of my family and friends. They might not be perfect, but they are perfect just as they are and they’re mine.  

You had the audacity to believe that you would again get to come out ahead and on top, with your condescending, self-amusing, “Oopsy.” But not this time. It was more than me who you hurt. You do not trump my family, and how dare you believe that you trump my husband. Neither he nor I are perfect, but we’re perfect for each other and together. He loves, adores, and cares for me unlike any other. We’ve been together for decades; he is my everything and I am his everything. You cannot break through that with your thoughtless remarks.

You and I differ on what I believe are some of the most important things in life. Among them are the definitions of friendship, kindness, confidant, trust, understanding, and being a taker vs being a giver. 

I am fine with my decision to forgive you, yet not reconcile.  I hold no grudges, I forgive you, and I wish for you only wonderful things in your life. At the same time, you have severed my trust for the last time, and I will continue to protect my family, friends, and my heart against further hurt from what I now understand to have been your inconsiderate folly. I am no longer available to fulfill your need to hurt someone.

When I see you in public, of course I will wave, smile, say hello, and then I will move along.  Lessons are repeated until they are learned.  I finally learned. 

Copyright © 2024. Suzann Peterson. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this text or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

Dear Rising Ninth Graders, 

Congratulations on succeeding in doing what it takes to make it to this milestone!  Your hard work and persistence to rise above a variety of obstacles in order to get to this moment have paid off!  

I am excited to share this milestone year with you; it’s my retirement year!  Like you, it has taken me many years of hard work and persistence to get to this special time in my life!  I’d like to share a few things that have helped me along the way, in hopes that they might help you.   

Have gratitude. You have had years of encouragement from many people who surround you – family, friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors and others in your community. Take a moment to reflect on all that they have done for and with you. Take the time to tell them how grateful you are for their care and support. The character trait of being grateful will always serve you well!  

Be a person of integrity, be positive, and have humility.  By now you’ve learned that things in life don’t always come easy nor are they always fair. What really matters is how you handle getting through those tough times. Look for the good, stay positive, surround yourself with good and positive people. If you fall, pick yourself up;  learn from your mistakes. If you succeed, do it with humility. Above all, do everything with integrity. That is, be honest and hang on to your strong moral principles to always do the right thing. The character traits of being positive, having humility, and being a person of integrity will never let you down as you navigate the worst and best of times.  

Be kind. One of my favorite quotes often attributed to poet Maya Angelo is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Be friendly, generous, considerate, help others, don’t act entitled, choose your battles wisely, use your manners, smile, and sing happy songs! These acts of kindness will help you arrive gracefully where you want to be in life. You’ll always be able to feel as if you made a difference in the lives of others when you know you’ve been kind in all situations.

Be strong. Don’t confuse gratitude, positivity, humility, integrity and kindness with being too soft.  It takes a strong-minded person to succeed at having these character traits, and to be able balance them with all that life will present to you. As long as you stay committed to working at being a good person, the puzzle pieces for the rest of your life will all fit when and where they should! 

If you’ve had me for a teacher then you know I have a lot of silly sayings. My favorite is, “Act like how you are supposed to be acting.”  Please use my quote as often as you’d like.  It can keep you from looking back and saying, “I could have or should have done different or better.” Best wishes for a lifetime of good health, success, prosperity, love, and joy!  

With fond memories, 

Mrs. Peterson