Like a lot of people, I was raised to think about life in a particular way. You go to college , land a steady 9-to-5 job , meet "The One," and then swap a promise and a piece of paper before getting down to raising a family.
Somewhere in there, you may adopt a pet, or take the next big step and buy a house. This typically happens between a man and woman, who once coupled, remain linked in almighty monogamous bliss until "death do us part." I never bought into this fairy tale, although the storyline was pushed throughout my childhood and 20s.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine, though, that I'd have the life I have now at 45. I steered clear of societal norms or pressures, and my life continues to grow more abundant and fulfilling every single day.
Here are 8 ways my life looks entirely different than I ever imagined:
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