This is the anti-fairy tale. The slow-moving nightmare of loneliness. — My name is Sherry which means darling or cherished one. I’m having a difficult time trying to figure out why, in my fifties, why my name suddenly feels so foreign and untruthful. Once upon a time, there were many people who loved me. …

I learned a major life lesson through my inability to do balancing poses — Yoga has been a part of my life for over 10 years and it just dawned on me, I’ve only been half effective at it. Sure, I was getting the physical benefits of flexibility, strength, and balance. …

The reasons why I’m not buying a house. — What is this stigma throughout America that once you reach a certain age you shouldn't rent anymore — especially apartments? Why aren’t the words “For Rent” found in the description of the American Dream? I’ve heard the phrase, “Renting is throwing money away,” all my life. For me, however, I’ve…

A poem — I took the path less traveled, no surprise, I find myself all alone; A foreboding street, a signpost forgot to exist, and no streetlight ever shone; Park benches are for reflection, and there ought to be one around here, Shall I keep walking deeper into the forest or turn around…

Overcoming addiction the only way I could. — Cigarettes. As much a part of my identity as my name. They traveled with me from room to room, every waking moment. My lighters were carefully chosen accessories. Personal expressions vying for attention just as much as my bright red lipstick and big, silver hoop earrings. It was the eighties…

Do our hormones get a kick out of playing games with us? — Next Stop… Menopause Hormones may not rule the world, still, all of mankind, male and female, can blame or attribute many decisions — life-changing decisions — on hormones. Whether surging in our younger years or falling (and rising and falling) as I find myself presently, hormones have a say-so in our lives. …

My Medium stats took a nosedive in May. — My stats took a beating in May. Did my writing skills disappear? Were my stories boring? Have I run out of creative ideas? Those are just a few of the questions and conversations I’ve had in my head for the past several weeks. Those I mentioned are the “nicer” comments. …

You don’t have to wait for others, just go and don’t look back. — All of my life, I had wanted to visit New York City. Two reasons kept me from going. One, I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. Secondly, I was afraid to go alone. Those two negatives kept me from visiting the most dynamic city in the world. If I’m presented with a challenge in life and all the answers are negatives, then I know I’m not using all of my problem-solving skills. That’s when I dig in and turn those negatives into something else.

A poem — What happened to the mornings when I jumped out of bed? What happened to the days when contentment filled my head? Maybe I can never be that carefree me I used to be For the past refuses to set me free The future is too uncertain, all I want is…