My month-long attempt at better health — I decided to walk 10,000 steps a day. I’d had it with tight clothing, and extra pounds. When I bounded up a flight of stairs in the rush to get somewhere, it would leave me out of breath. It was embarrassing. People would ask me if I were okay. …

Because marriage isn’t for everyone. — Some people are not wired for marriage. They’d be a lot happier single. Yet they don’t listen. They get married and then spend years living in misery. Because not everyone is meant to get married. According to “Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and Single Life,” by A. Thornton and D. Freedman…

Writer, Songwriter, Producer, and Mom — My name is L.A. Strucke, and not just because I love L.A. They’re my initials. Early Life My life began 2 months before my mother’s due date. I had a 50–50 chance to live. My first home was an incubator. My childhood home was in New Jersey on a cul de sac…

And life would never be the same again — She was the girl everybody loved. Men wanted her. Women wanted to be like her. She was medium height, with brilliant eyes, long, luxurious hair, and an hourglass figure. Her skin was smooth and flawless. She moved with elegance and grace. She danced, sang, laughed a lot, and charmed everyone…

Because we all need something to smile about — Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time watching cat channels on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Some people might think it’s a waste of time, but in my humble opinion, anything that makes you smile or laugh is never a waste of time. Mr. Milo the Chonk My favorite discoveries begin with a cat…

My cat relives his trauma every time I go away — If it were up to my cat Rumi, I would never leave the house. You see, I am Rumi’s entire world. In the morning I awaken to him walking on top of me, and positioning himself on the pillow next to my head. He follows me around like my little…

Because some people think everyone they meet is one. — You’ve met the man or woman of your dreams. They seem perfect in every way. Everything seems to be too good to be true. Because things are going too well. There has to be something wrong with them. You’ve heard of love-bombing, and you’ve been wondering if they could be…

Why a novel written long ago resonates with me today — When people age, some fear losing their ability to run fast, bike, or do something athletic. They dread the day when they won’t be able to run a marathon or go up and down stairs. With me, it’s all about the brain. …

It affects every area of your life — I envy people who love themselves. These are the people that expect the best in life and magically seem to get it. We sit there shaking our heads, wondering how they do it. They truly believe they deserve the best partner in life and should be treated well. …