I Liked My Life

by Abby Fabiaschi

Without attention, her sarcasm will turn to cynicism, her independence to isolation, her grief to depression.

easy danger

You came along and everything started to hum. Still it’s a real good bet the best is yet to come.

“When the world gives you a hard time, pick up a book and join another.”

pick up a book

Language, expression, new ideas: these were things that made her heart race,

mine too!

If you’re where you feel the most understood and still can’t find peace, it’s time to move on.

that's it!

I take a hard stance on anything intentionally cruel.

my stance too

You have a head and a heart—I expect you to make choices that account for both.

good all-time advice

The end depends upon the beginning.

end=beginn

Loving a person doesn’t make them who you desire; it makes you vulnerable to their reality.

wow. love.

Your mother didn’t believe in each of these things with equal passion, but in the moment she spoke the words they were true to her. I’m not gifted with her self-awareness. I relied on my big sister for guidance as I set my course, and more often than not, I relied on her to gently point out when I lost my way. If I were to summarize her words of wisdom, I’d say this: the most important approval to earn in this life is your own. Your mother was a philosopher in her own way, and so, I see now, are you. Enjoy, Aunt Meg

what i want

TRUTHS Make room for who you are by knowing who you’re not. Smile all the time, at everyone, without exception: when you’re happy it will be contagious, and when you’re angry it will drive the person you’re mad at bonkers. Blow-dry before lipstick. Counters before sweeping. Water before dinner. To hell with what everyone thinks about your life, but you should know what you think about it. Don’t stay out past one a.m.—nobody is proud of the stories born later than that. Plans contingent on perfection fail. It’s dangerous to fight who you are. The stupidest thing you can do is believe your own bullshit, but you probably will every once in a while. Flowery perfume smells like a cover-up. Don’t have a room your kids can’t play in or a couch your kids can’t sit on; it’s their house too. If you don’t know what to say, say, “I don’t know what to say.” If you mess up, say, “I messed up.” If you need help, say, “I need help.” Never count on any one thing. Don’t confuse wanting to have sex and rent movies with someone for wanting to marry him. Never buy button-fly jeans—they aren’t flattering on anyone ever. Practice love, compassion, and forgiveness. Try not to speak consecutively for more than two minutes; it’s hard to be a good listener longer than that. It’s good to have one friend who still smokes a lot of pot. It’s important to speak up even if no one will stand behind you. A home is something you create. Gatorade and greasy food cure hangovers. The impression you have of some...

little truths

“I’m glad I don’t have to be the big sister. It must be such a burden to figure out everything first.”

big sister

DISSOLVING I am everywhere God is Encompassing a truth A truth that does encourage compassion And this startles me But from this vintage view I can distinguish the universal difference: Truth the drought that drains the terrain Just there, just is, no justice It does not cater to reality as compassion does Molding structure into an eroded tomb of bias It does not seek it with fury As its destination is always right where you are Going where you’re going And from these eyes I’ve borrowed brilliant power Compassion surrendering Dissolving like the sugar in my iced tea Not sweet though— Bitter.

dissolving