@erikaharris, thanks for this heartfelt post... it felt... authentic. I know authenticity is often a trite and overused word, but I'll continue to use it till I find a better one.

The only constant in life is change. There's another overused cliché for you, but it does tend to hold true. And, along with that, comes the realization that this "authentic self" we seek is not a static thing-- it's always in motion; always changing. We are the sum-total of our experiences... so we re-define as our experiences change us.

And sometimes we must empty everything out... perhaps because the reality; the foundation... has become like resting on "wilted" laurels.

I always enjoyed your writing, going back to the early days of... HSP forums? Who knows... now we're here; filled with our current authentic selves... which are evolving. Sarah is here, too... she's @cosmictriage here. We're all on the path. We ARE the path.

Bright blessings!