I guess you all must get tired of hearing "I remember when" from me, but I do remember when I cried when I was sad. Laughed when I was happy. Grateful when I was complimented and a bit proud as well. I didn't complain about anything (got numerous comments to this effect) but took everything in stride figuring out a way to handle it and tackled it head on (a football term for you, mom of 3)! I felt a sense of accomplishment at this. I wasn't afraid that what happened yesterday, might happen tomorrow (though there were things back then I wouldn't want to have repeated (death, abusive relationships, etc)....I wasn't afraid of the decisions I would make or how I would handle it or that it may even occur. I had confidence. My self-esteem was always a bit wirey but at least good enough to function. I could do math, concentrate, make decisions, focus, read a book, handle most of my anxiety effectively. Anyone relate? I guess this is that "poor me" syndrome and I need to suck it up and accept that that ain't me no more.