What I've learned since moving to D.C. (some of which should be obvious): 0233

11601.  Transformation often requires breaking out of your comfort zone and facing discomfort head-on.  It’s about being true to yourself, even if it means losing people who only resonated with your old self.  It’s about living in a way that, when you look back on your life, you can be proud of the way you played the game;

11602.  Take a moment to reflect.  What are the actions and pursuits that bring you the most joy?  How can you design your life to do more of what you love?

11603.  Embrace life as the grand adventure it is with all its ups and downs, and live in a way that makes your future self proud;

11604.  Distinguishing Real Breakup Pain From Triggered Sensations: The agony many people feel during a breakup often stems from triggered sensations rather than the breakup itself.  While breakups are naturally painful, these triggered emotions can amplify the distress, leading people to remain affected by their past relationships for years.  A critical question to ask yourself is, “Is my response appropriate to reality?”  This helps in identifying whether your reaction is due to the actual breakup or the triggered feelings from within;

11605.  The Importance of Processing and Letting Go: Fully processing and letting go of what is being triggered within you is crucial.  Surface-level solutions like dating others to get over an ex often keep the ex alive in your mind, perpetuating the cycle of pain.  Instead, the key to moving on lies in addressing and releasing these deep-seated emotions;

11606.  Engaging in Deep Self-Questioning: The “shadow questions” help in talking to your inner world, revealing hidden insecurities.  For instance, asking yourself, “Why is s/he better than me?” or “Why am I not good enough?” can unearth beliefs you may not be consciously aware of, but are affecting your self-esteem and relationships;

11607.  Embracing and Validating Your Emotions: It’s essential to honor and feel your emotions without judgment.  I liken this to comforting your inner child, suggesting that you should hug yourself and be present with your feelings.  By acknowledging and feeling the hurt, you prevent it from being suppressed and resurfacing later;

11608.  The Power of Authenticity: Authenticity is the cornerstone of healthy relationships.  From the very start, being unapologetically yourself helps in screening for compatibility.  Authenticity allows you to attract those who truly resonate with you while repelling those who don’t, saving you from future disappointments and heartache;

11609.  Finding Confidence Within: True confidence or core confidence, comes from within and is not dependent on external factors like looks or situational achievements.  Don’t derive your confidence from fleeting external circumstances.  Instead, focus on rediscovering the core confidence that has always been within you;

11610.  Crafting Your Ideal Relationship Vision: Creating a clear vision of your ideal partner and relationship dynamic can help in attracting the right person.  Write down the attributes of your ideal partner and the nature of your ideal relationship.  This clarity can guide you in your interactions and choices, ensuring you don’t settle for less than what you truly want and deserve;

11611.  Accepting the Grieving Process: “What is grief, but the continuation of love?”  It’s normal and healthy to feel grief after a breakup as it signifies the love and care you had for the person.  Allowing yourself to grieve is part of the healing process and should not be rushed or avoided.  Breakups are undoubtedly painful, but, by understanding and addressing the triggered emotions, practicing self-compassion, embracing authenticity and building core confidence, you can navigate through the pain and emerge stronger and more self-aware;

11612.  Remember that the journey through a breakup is not just about moving on from the past, but also about rediscovering and embracing your true self;

11613.  The sex life you want is usually on the other side of unspoken resentments;

11614.  (Using) honey as a coffee sweetener isn’t half bad;

11615.  Darius Rucker thinks “Let Her Cry” is the best song he’s (ever) written;

11616.  Darius Rucker said R.E.M. is the most influential band for “Hootie & the Blowfish.”  (He said) they used to play a dozen R.E.M. covers/songs when they first started playing;

11617.  Darius Rucker said he (originally) didn’t want to let Jim Sonefeld join “Hootie & the Blowfish” as their drummer, but, at the audition, he played a song he had just written.  That song was “Hold My Hand;”

11618.  “Hootie & the Blowfish’s” cover of “Interstate Love Song” sounded better than “Stone Temple Pilot’s” version at the 2010 DC101 Chili Cook-Off;

11619.  Self-Acceptance and Self-Improvement: Accepting yourself doesn’t mean you stop striving for improvement.  It means you acknowledge where you are right now and choose to love yourself in that state.  You can work on your health, your skills, your life goals, but do so out of self-love, not self-hate;

11620.  Holding a grudge is letting someone live rent-free in your head;

11621.  It can be totally fine not to know your purpose.  Sometimes you just have to live life, meander a bit and follow your curiosity in order to find out where you’re going.  But that doesn’t mean you’re lost;

11622.  Reflect on a recent situation where you felt triggered.  Instead of focusing on who or what triggered you, ask yourself what this situation is revealing about your inner world.  What core belief or past trauma is being activated?  Allow yourself to feel and explore these emotions without judgment.  Inner work is not about fixing yourself; it’s about becoming whole.  It requires courage to face the parts of yourself that you’ve disowned.  But by doing so, you unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment and freedom;

11623.  The (General Atomics MQ-1) Predator drone is a lot bigger than I thought it was (i.e., 6’9” in length by 27’ in width);

11624.  The Smithsonian’s National Zoo (and Conservation Biology Institute) (w.si.edu/museums/national-zoo) in D.C. is free, but you have to get tickets in advance;

11625.  Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. president to hold a U.S. patent.  It was for “adjustable buoyant chambers” (i.e., inflatable rubber-cloth chambers) to help boats float over shallow spots;

11626.  If the only time you’re liked is when you’re putting on a front, that creates a golden prison.  You’re always walking around paranoid, afraid people will see through that facade.  Even if people like the fake you, it doesn’t boost your self-esteem – it hurts it.  Every person who likes the fake you reinforces the belief that the real you isn’t good enough.  So the first step to authenticity is to let go of the front.  Put your true self out there.  Yes, it might hurt if you’re judged or rejected, but it’s worth it.  The alternative – only being accepted when you’re someone else – is far more painful;

11627.  The goal isn’t to be liked by everyone; it’s to be loved by some and disliked by others;

11628.  Remember, being authentic starts with you.  If you can’t be authentic with yourself, how can you be authentic with others?

11629.  Is your parent’s approval more important than your own happiness?  It’s a tough question, but one worth reflecting on.  If you’re constantly playing a role to gain approval, the people who approve of you aren’t even seeing the real you – they’re approving of the facade.  When did you first start hiding parts of yourself to fit a certain image?  What would it mean for you to let go of that facade and embrace your true self even if it means facing disapproval from those you love?  This isn’t about rebelling or rejecting your loved ones.  It’s about being honest with yourself and them.  It’s about cutting the invisible umbilical cord that keeps you tied to an identity that’s not truly yours.  You can love and respect your parents while still being true to who you are;

11630.  Burnout isn’t caused by working long hours.  It’s caused by working on goals you don’t believe in for people you don’t like;

11631.  You can’t heal the people you love.  You can’t make choices for them.  You can’t rescue them.  You can promise that they won’t journey alone.  You can loan them your map.  But this trip is theirs;

11632.  The fear of stepping into the spotlight isn’t about what others might think.  It’s about your own anxiety, your own doubts and the belief that you’re not enough;

11633.  You don’t need anyone else’s permission to be you.  You don’t need to be perfect, or cool, or anything else.  You just need to be you;

11634.  Jared Leto (the lead singer of “30 Seconds to Mars”) doesn’t look like he’s 52;

11635.  Apparently, Jared Leto (the lead singer of “30 Seconds to Mars”) has a flamethrower;

11636.  Jared Leto said (growing up) he used to go to concerts with his (older) brother, Shannon, at Merriweather Post Pavilion;

11637.  Sometimes, there’s a good reason why Google Maps wants to take you to a side road;

What I've learned since moving to D.C. (some of which should be obvious): 0232

11551.  There’s no permanent “ahead” or “behind” in life.  One moment, you might feel on top of the world and, the next, you might be struggling.  But remember everyone’s journey is different and change is inevitable.  Keep going no matter what.  When you find yourself in a tough spot, remember that it’s just a phase, a part of the journey.  Instead of seeing it as a failure, view it as an opportunity to grow and develop resilience.  Embrace the challenges and use them as stepping stones to become stronger;

11552.  Forgiveness is a powerful tool.  It doesn’t mean approving or accepting what someone did, but it does mean freeing yourself from the emotional hold they have over you.  True freedom comes when you’re no longer reacting to others’ expectations, but living your life according to your own values and desires.  See yourself as a 10 out of 10 person regardless of external circumstances like employment status.  True confidence and self-worth come from within not from external achievements or validations.  It’s crucial to be authentic even if it means facing rejection.  Authenticity can polarize, but it also attracts the right people and opportunities into your life;

11553.  Accept the Chaos: We often buy into the lie that one day we’ll have everything figured out.  The truth is, you will never have everything perfectly lined up.  Life is messy and that’s normal.  There’s never going to be a point where everything is perfect and that’s okay.  Accepting this reality is the first step toward reducing self-attack and anxiety;

11554.  Life Is Impermanent: Everything is in a constant state of flux.  If you’re going through a great time, bad times will come and if you’re in a bad time, good times will come.  Nothing is permanent.  Understanding this helps you navigate life’s ups and downs more gracefully;

11555.  Continuous Improvement: You can always work on yourself and improve.  Even if you think you have a healthy relationship with yourself, there’s always room for enhancement.  The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about enhancing the quality of your life.  Take the pressure off and be kind to yourself;

11556. Gratitude and Grounding Techniques: When spiraling or feeling overwhelmed, 2 techniques can help: 1.  Deep breaths from the base of your spine; and 2.  Practicing gratitude.  These methods ground you and shift your focus from negative spiraling to a more centered and appreciative state;

11557.  Embrace Adversity: Adversity often brings unexpected lessons and growth opportunities.  Hard times might disrupt your plans, but they can also push you out of your comfort zone and lead to personal growth.  Embrace these challenges as part of your journey;

11558.  Get Better Not Bitter: When faced with challenges, focus on getting better rather than becoming bitter.  Use adversity to strengthen yourself and avoid using it as an excuse to play small or hold back from your dreams;

11559.  Enjoy the Journey: Stop rushing through life.  Embrace the journey and the experiences along the way.  Life is like a video game.  If you rush through it, you miss the depth and richness of the experience.  Enjoy every step of your hero’s journey;

11560.  Fulfillment Comes From Being of Service: True fulfillment doesn’t come from achieving more.  It comes from being of service to others.  Helping others not only makes a difference in their lives, but also brings a deep sense of fulfillment to your own life;

11561.  Future Challenges and Present Strength: Fear of the future often stems from projecting current capabilities too far ahead.  Remember future you will be equipped to handle future challenges.  Trust in your ability to deal with the present moment as you’ve always done successfully;

11562.  Shift Your Perspective: Stop viewing life as a high-stakes horror movie.  Shift your perspective to see it as a comedy.  Embrace the fun and laughter in life even in challenging times.  This shift in mindset can transform your overall experience;

11563.  Life’s Short, Milk It: Life is short and you have all of eternity to be dead.  So milk every moment.  Embrace the opportunities, challenges and experiences that come your way.  Life’s finite nature adds depth to your experiences, making them more valuable;

11564.  Life’s messy, people are messy and things change.  But within this chaos lies the opportunity for growth, fulfillment and deep personal connection.  Embrace the hero’s journey with all its ups and downs and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.  Stay strong and keep moving forward;

11565.  Vulnerability is the essence of authenticity and confidence.  When you embrace vulnerability, you’re essentially saying, “I have nothing to hide.”  This openness is what makes you truly confident because there’s no anxiety about being discovered or exposed;

11566.  If you’re talking to someone and feel anxious, ask yourself: “What am I hiding?” and “What am I hoping to get from this person?”  Anxiety stems from hiding and seeking approval.  Remove those elements and anxiety disappears.

11567.  Being vulnerable doesn’t mean being gullible.  It means owning who you are and dropping the facade.  When you do this, you become incredibly magnetic;

11568.  People are drawn to authenticity because it shows that you have no shame around who you are.  There’s no fear, no anxiety, just pure, unfiltered you;

11569.  Shame is the enemy of vulnerability.  The more shame you carry, the harder it is to be authentic;

11570.  Interestingly, the things we feel the most shame about are often the most universal experiences.  Everyone has felt not good enough at some point;

11571.  Realizing that you’re not alone in your struggles can help you let go of that shame;

11572.  At any given moment, you are who you are.  You can’t change that instantaneously.  You can either resist it or embrace it;

11573.  Embracing who you are even if there are things you’re working on, leads to a more pleasant experience of being alive;

11574.  Everyone has their own mess; no one’s life is as perfect as it might seem on the surface.  Recognizing this can help you feel more at ease with yourself;

11575.  People often think they have it worse than anyone else because we all hide our struggles.  We put on a brave face and pretend everything is fine;

11576.  Approval, control and safety are the 3 false gods we often chase.  We seek validation from others, try to control our environments and strive for security, thinking these will make us happy.  But true fulfillment comes from within;

11577.  Approve of yourself, trust yourself and feel safe in who you are.  Nothing external can give you this; it has to come from inside;

11578.  Trying to tailor your interests to fit others’ preferences only makes you come across as insincere.  People can sense this.  Instead, share what you love and let your excitement shine through.  This authentic energy is far more engaging than any curated list of “interesting” topics;

11579.  Authenticity should never be compromised, but relatability can be adjusted;

11580.  You won’t connect with everyone and that’s okay.  Not everyone will appreciate your authenticity and that’s part of the process.  Find people who resonate with your genuine self.  This is your tribe.  Trying to please everyone will only hold you back from finding those truly meaningful connections;

11581.  The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself;

11582.  Many of us know what we don’t want in a partner, but are we clear on what we do want?  Take a moment to reflect on your ideal partner.  What’s their vibe, energy, attitude, mindset?  Are they supportive?  What are the conversations like?  Turn the mirror around.  Before seeking this ideal partner externally, ask yourself, “Am I being that for me?”  We are all in a relationship without ourselves even if we feel lonely;

11583.  The relationship you have with yourself will dictate every external relationship that follows;

11584.  The Inner Dialogue: Imagine that little voice in your head.  If it were a person, would you want to be with them?  Often, this inner voice is critical and unsupportive.  It’s important to audit this relationship.  What kind of partner are you to yourself?

11585.  Meeting Your Own Needs: Avoid the trap of seeking others to meet your needs.  If you feel lonely with yourself, you’ll likely project neediness in relationships.  This neediness repels people and leads to toxic dynamics.  Instead, focus on meeting your own needs;

11586.  A healthy individual is attractive because they are self-sufficient and not dependent on others for validation.

11587.  Love and Intention: True love is 2 wholes coming together, not 2 halves.  Shift from craving and neediness to intention and inspiration.  Seek relationships out of wholeness not neediness;

11588.  Re-parenting Yourself: The relationship with yourself is akin to a parent-child relationship.  Re-parent yourself with empathy and support.  Life will throw challenges at you and having a supportive inner parent makes all the difference.  This isn’t about pandering; it’s about being there for yourself, encouraging and pushing yourself kindly;

11589.  Celebrate Yourself: Celebrate your successes no matter how small.  We often focus on our failures more than our wins.  Balance this out by acknowledging and celebrating your achievements;

11590.  Let Go and Trust: Letting go of external validation and building an internal foundation of self-worth is key.  Understand that everything external can be taken away.  True safety and confidence come from within.  Know that you are enough as you are;

11591.  Self-Dates: Spend time with yourself.  Go on dates with you.  Sit with yourself without distractions and just be.  Notice your inner dialogue;

11592.  Affirmations: Stand in front of a mirror and affirm your worth.  Say, “I love you,” and mean it;

11593.  Celebrate Wins: Take time to celebrate your successes even the small ones.  Dance, treat yourself or simply acknowledge your achievements;

11594.  Reflect and Let Go: Identify when you started feeling not good enough.  Reflect on those moments and let go of the negative beliefs;

11595.  The relationship with yourself sets the tone for all other relationships.  Make it a priority to nurture and improve it.  You cannot delegate this responsibility.  Whatever you seek externally, you actually crave from within.  Turn the mirror around and start from there;

11596.  Imagine life as a video game where you are both the player and the character.  Your character can level up, gain new skills and collect items.  But does this change who you are as the player?  No, it doesn’t.  Similarly, in life, your essence – your core self – remains the same regardless of the achievements or failures of your character.  When playing a video game, what’s the ultimate goal?  To have fun and enjoy the experience.  You don’t only enjoy level 10; you find joy in each level with all its challenges and victories.  Life is the same.  Every stage, from the beginning to the end, is part of the journey and each phase offers its own unique experiences and growth opportunities;

11597.  Just like in a video game, life throws challenges your way.  These are the tough quests that make the game interesting.  You might struggle, face setbacks and have to keep trying, but each challenge helps you grow and gain valuable insights.  The key is to see these difficulties as part of the adventure not as insurmountable obstacles;

11598.  When it comes to finding your purpose, think of it in two parts: discovering your character and embarking on your quest.  Your primary purpose is to understand your character – what are your strengths, your natural abilities, the things that come effortlessly to you?  Once you know this, your secondary purpose is to choose quests that align with your character’s strengths and passions.  For example, some of you might be naturally creative, while others are more analytical.  Your quests – your goals and actions – should reflect these strengths.  If you’re a creative type, your purpose might involve artistic endeavors.  If you’re analytical, it might involve solving complex problems;

11599.  Think about your life right now.  Are you trying to escape the challenges of your “9 to 5” or the pressures of having a boss?  The goal isn’t to escape these structures, but to find roles that resonate with who you are.  Find a “9 to 5” or a boss that you don’t want to escape from, where your daily activities align with your passions and strengths;

11600.  Fulfillment doesn’t come from reaching a certain level or achieving a particular status.  It comes from enjoying the process from doing what you love every day.  Whether you’re making millions or just enough to get by, what matters is that your actions align with what you truly enjoy;

What I've learned since moving to D.C. (some of which should be obvious): 0231

11501.  The Dewey Beer Company (DeweyBeerCo.com) sells a THC infused (blueberry, mango) seltzer( called/named “Drift Tide”);

11502.  Paradise Grill (ParadiseGrillDE.com) is the “Seacrets” (of Ocean City, Maryland,) of Long Neck, Delaware;

11503.  Charlie (Dog) likes caramel popcorn . . . shocker, he loves popcorn;

11504.  Walnuts can be safe for dogs in moderation if they are fresh and free of bark and husk, but they can also be toxic and pose a choking hazard;

11505.  A dog eating too many walnuts can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening;

11506.  Black walnuts are toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening symptoms;

11507.  English walnuts can be dangerous to dogs if they cause choking or an intestinal blockage;

11508.  Walnuts are high in moisture and can develop mold and fungi, which can produce toxins that can be carcinogenic or cause tremors and seizures in dogs;

11509.  Grilled, shucked corn (on the cob) is (pretty) tasty;

11510.  Scrapple is like a cross of sausage and corned beef hash.  It tastes like sausage, but less flavorful with the texture of (canned) corned beef hash;

11511.  You can bring food into Merriweather Post Pavilion.  It has to be in a clear, disposable, non-glass container (1 per quest).  And one empty or factory-sealed water bottle is allowed per person;

11512.  (I can say) I’ve seen Joan Jett in concert;

11513.  Joan Jett( and the Blackheart)’s songs aren’t (very) complex;

11514.  Joan Jett grew up in North Bethesda/Rockville, Maryland;

11515.  Joan Jett said the first concert she (ever) attended was at Merriweather Post Pavilion;

11516.  According to Kenny Laguna( of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), in the 1970s, record companies didn’t want to sign (a recording contract with) a band with 4 men/guys fronted by a woman;

11517.  Apparently, Joan Jett is an O(riole)s fan;

11518.  (I can say) I’ve seen Alanis Morissette in concert;

11519.  Alanis Morissette has a set of pipes on her;

11520.  Flea (from the “Red Hot Chili Peppers”) played bass and Dave Navarro (from “Jane’s Addiction” and the “Red Hot Chili Peppers”) played (lead) guitar on (Alanis Morissette’s) “You Oughta Know;”

11521.  In 2005, researchers at Kingston University released the findings of a two-year study that suggested dust mites – up to 1.5 million of which may be living in a bed at a given time – don’t survive as well in the warm, dry conditions created by an unmade bed.  So wait about an hour after you wake up to make the bed, no matter what your self-help books say about how making it first thing will spur you to be more regimented and productive;

11522.  The riper the watermelon, the easier it is to cut/slice;

11523.  Becoming Authentic: Authenticity isn’t about “faking it until you make it.”  It’s about acting real until you remember who you truly are.  Reflect on your past and identify moments that shaped you.  Embrace these moments and release any lingering negative emotions;

11524.  Embodying Confidence: Practice embodying confidence daily.  Imagine you’re invincible and notice how your actions and interactions change;

11525.  Shadow Work: Ask yourself shadow questions to uncover hidden beliefs.  For example, “Why am I not good enough?”  This helps bring suppressed thoughts to the surface;

11526.  Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate every achievement no matter how small.  This helps build a positive mindset and reinforces progress;

11527.  Deep Inner Work: True transformation requires deep inner work.  It’s about becoming aware of the things you don’t know you don’t know and letting go of what holds you back;

11528.  What is the number one way people go about trying to be confident?  Challenges?  Affirmations?  Experience?  Drugs?  Drinking?  Money?  Competence?  Ultimately, it comes down to this: activating your winner effect.  This is the foundation of situational confidence;

11529.  When you feel like you are winning, you’ll have access to more inner faculties.  Imagine you are hanging out with people where you’re put in a position of authority, like being the boss at your job.  You’ll feel confident in relation to your employees because you feel like you are winning;

11530.  Once you understand this concept of the winner effect, you will be baffled at how people try to chase this feeling constantly.  The most common way is by trying to put others down.  If they are beneath you, in contrast, you feel like a winner.  You might have acquaintances who always try to subtly diss you or make little jokes to feel like a winner.  People also chase this feeling through money and validation, constantly trying to boost that winner effect.  But is this permanent?  No.  It makes you a slave to whatever is activating your winner effect.  For example, if you feel like a winner at your job, you only feel confident there.  Once you leave that environment, your confidence fades;

11531.  The way to permanently activate your winner effect isn’t by feeling like a winner in contrast to others, nor by trying to inflate yourself with money or validation.  It’s by letting go and giving yourself that inner approval.  Letting go is what permanently activates your winner effect;

11532.  Realize that whatever you’re chasing out there, you’re actually craving it in here.  If you’re needy for love, you’re craving love within.  If you’re needy for validation and approval, you’re craving it within.  Your strategy for trying to get it might be to have hundreds of people love you, thinking it will make you love yourself, but it’s really from within;

11533.  Another model to look at is the “Having, Doing, Being.”  Most people are in the having paradigm, finding themselves in what they have.  If they have more money, looks, clothes or approval, they feel enhanced.  Then there’s doing, where self-worth is found in action.  If you work like crazy one day, you feel enhanced.  If you work less, you don’t.  The progression towards true core confidence is being.  It’s not found in what you have or do, but in who you are.  This is what we call situational confidence versus permanent confidence.  You should feel just as confident alone in your bed as up on stage.  Your self-worth should be inherent;

11534.  If you try to find confidence in a perfect line or your looks, you’re giving your power away;

11535.  True core confidence comes from letting go of trying to find yourself externally and just being confident because you are.  This is the true path to confidence;

11536.  Confidence isn’t about adding or compensating; it’s about removing and letting go.  It’s not about acting in a completely uncalibrated way, but being aware without being a slave to it.  This creates a magnetic vibe that overpowers content;

11537.  People can fake body language, but not the vibe.  True confidence can’t be faked.  It’s about having the freedom to break superficial rules of confidence.  If you’re truly confident, you can break those rules and still exude confidence;

11538.  Intention-wise, aim to deliver value, but don’t let it be your source of confidence;

11539.  Permanent winner effect, removing, letting go and finding yourself in being rather than having or doing is the key.  Vibe over content, honest signals;

11540.  Letting go is confidence.  Otherwise, you’re just compensating and crafting a front;

11541.  Laziness kills ambition. . . . Anger kills wisdom. . . . Fear kills dreams. . . . Ego kills growth. . . . Jealousy kills peace. . . . Doubt kills confidence. . . . Now read that right to left;

11542.  The illusion of approval: When you base your self-worth on others’ approval, you become a slave to their opinions.  It’s like giving them the keys to your self-worth.  But who truly holds the keys?  It’s you.  Only you can decide if you are good enough.  External approval or disapproval shouldn’t affect your intrinsic value;

11543.  Embracing your true self: We all have moments from our past that shape our beliefs.  Identifying these moments is the first step toward letting go of false narratives.  Acknowledging your past and confronting the emotions tied to it.  This process of letting go is crucial for reclaiming your self-worth;

11544.  The power of self-reflection: Stand in front of a mirror and affirm your worth.  Feel the resistance, breathe into it and let go;

11545.  True confidence comes from within.  It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and knowing that you are enough just as you are;

11546.  Reflect on your own life.  When did you start feeling not good enough?  What moments shaped this belief?  Acknowledge them, feel the emotions and begin the process of letting go.  Remember, no amount of external change will fix internal insecurities.  You have to change from the inside out;

11547.  You have the power to reclaim your self-worth.  It’s not about gaining approval from others, but about approving of yourself.  You are enough.  Embrace your journey, honor your true self and know that you’ve always been worthy;

11548.  Luke Combs taught himself to play the guitar when he was 21( watching YouTube videos);

11549.  The first song Luke Combs learned to play (on the guitar) was “Fast Car”( by Tracy Chapman);

11550.  Luke Combs will stop a concert to shotgun a beer;

What I've learned since moving to D.C. (some of which should be obvious): 0230

11451.  A high-quality bottle of rich, full-bodied, tannin-heavy red wine can last for five to seven days;

11452.  In contrast, a juicy bottle of Beaujolais wine should be consumed within half that time;

11453.  You can (and should) toss red wine in the fridge to give yourself extra time;

11454.  Apparently, a white wine should come out of the fridge for 30 minutes before consuming and a red (wine) should go in for about 30 minutes;

11455.  Fortified wines (i.e., ports, sherries and Madeiras, wines produced with a distilled spirit such as brandy) give you the most shelf life once open.  The higher alcohol content and residual sugar give some inherent protection from the effects of oxidation;

11456.  A high-quality sherry could stay good for up to a month after opening, you still want to shoot for that one-week mark for the best aroma and flavor;

11457.  Sparkling wine introduces another variable: carbonation.  For that reason, they’re best consumed within a day or two of opening and you’ll need to use a wine stopper to preserve the bubbles;

11458.  Connor McDavid (of the Edmonton Oilers) and Nikita Kucherov (of the Tampa Bay Lightning) became the 4^th and 5^th players in NHL history to have 100 assists in a season;

11459.  Apparently, the $35.00 flat taxi(cab) rate from Miami (International) Airport (MIA) to So(uth )Be(ach) no longer exists;

11460.  Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing them from doing their job to power down our bodies for sleep.  This causes us to feel more awake because these receptors can no longer make us sleepy;

11461.  Over time, your body adapts to the effects of caffeine and it has less of an impact on you.  The more often you consume caffeine, the more adenosine receptors your body will create and caffeine’s energy-inducing abilities will diminish.  This means you’ll have to keep increasing your caffeine levels to see the same positive impacts, but this also increases the risk for negative consequences such as anxiety, insomnia and fatigue;

11462.  Brief interactions with attractive women can cause an increase in testosterone levels in men;

11463.  A 2015 study found that single men and men in new relationships had higher testosterone levels than men in long-term relationships;

11464.  Testosterone is a hormone that can help with many things, including: 1.  Bone density – Testosterone helps maintain bone mineral density; 2.  Muscle mass – Testosterone helps increase muscle mass; 3.  Red blood cell production – Testosterone helps the bone marrow produce red blood cells; 4.  Libido – Testosterone can help increase libido and sexual satisfaction; 5.  Memory – Testosterone can help sharpen memory; 6.  Energy – Testosterone can increase energy; 7.  Mood – Testosterone can help reduce depression and mood swings; 8.  Inflammation – Testosterone can help reduce inflammation in the body; 9.  Cholesterol – Testosterone can help lower cholesterol; 10.  Joint pain – Testosterone can help reduce joint pain and the risk of osteoporosis; 11.  Sleep – Testosterone can help people sleep more deeply and feel more rested; and 12.  Cognitive function – Research shows that men with higher ratios of total testosterone have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease;

11465.  Some benefits of high testosterone include: 1.  Increased energy and focus; 2.  Decreased fat mass; 3.  Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer; and 4.  Weight loss;

11466.  Testosterone can increase metabolism;

11467.  When testosterone levels are correct, metabolism increases, which helps burn more calories and improve fat distribution;

11468.  Testosterone also speeds up the metabolism of muscle cells, which can help burn fat and develop muscles;

11469.  The (new) spicy lemonades (specifically the spicy strawberry) at Starbucks are pretty spicy;

11470.  According to Trevor Noah, his first show as a solo comedian was at the Arlington Drafthouse in 2014;

11471.  I can say I’ve been to an Indian wedding;

11472.  Dogs shouldn’t eat cinnamon rolls because they contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs such as raisins, xylitol, butter, sugar, chocolate, nutmeg and some nuts.  Cinnamon rolls are also high in fat and sugar, which can cause health issues for dogs including pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea;

11473.  I can say that I’ve brought my own booze to a restaurant( specifically Sake Japanese Steakhouse & Bar in Alexandria before they got their liquor license);

11474.  According to Luisa, her athletic pants from Amazon keep on unbuttoning and unzipping( by themselves);

11475.  John Legend is “make out” music;

11476.  John Legend speaks/talks with a melodic/musical voice;

11477.  John Legend grew up in Springfield, Ohio;

11478.  John Legend graduated from high school 2 years early( at age 16);

11479.  John Legend went to college at (the) U(niversity of )Penn(Sylvania);

11480.  John Legend worked as a management consultant for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) after college;

11481.  John Legend is a(n apologetic) namedropper;

11482.  John Legend plays the piano on Lauryn Hill’s song, “Everything Is Everything” (i.e., song 13 on “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”). . . . Lauryn Hill’s record label paid him $500.00 for the performance;

11483.  John Legend worked with Kanye West (on his first album, “Get Lifted,”) before he went crazy/nuts;

11484.  John Legend’s given/real name is John Roger Stephens;

11485.  John Legend (originally) wrote, “Ordinary People,” for the “Black Eyed Peas,” but (he) decided to keep it for himself;

11486.  John Legend has worked with Jay-Z;

11487.  John Legend met Chrissy Teigen on the set for his music video for “Stereo;”

11488.  The first time that John Legend performed “All of Me” was at the reception for his wedding( to Chrissy Teigen);

11489.  Apparently, the feeling of being rejected as a friend/not being good enough can linger for over 25 years;

11490.  (Maple) glazed, bacon wrapped sausages are tasty;

11491.  (It can be annoying, but) put your keycard in your wallet.  No matter how diligent you are, it’ll inevitably fall out of your pocket and you’ll have to go and get a replacement( and maybe pay for it too);

11492.  Lawn (and Range) rooms (at the University of Virginia) now have air conditioning;

11493.  Belle Isle lemon lavender moonshine is (pretty) tasty;

11494.  To exit the bathrooms on the Lawn( and Range at the University of Virginia), pull the doors open;

11495.  It’s amazing what some people will tell you (i.e., a(n) stranger/acquaintance) after a few drinks( specifically that she had an affair while being married with a married man, that they broke it off, but she still has feelings for/wants him and that she was pregnant with the married man’s child, but didn’t tell him or her husband and that she had an abortion);

11496.  There are no food and sales taxes in Delaware;

11497.  The bacon wrapped pineapple (with salted caramel sauce) at Nalu Hawaiian Surf Bar & Grille (NaluSurfBar.com) (in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,) is tasty;

11498.  The “baby tiger fudge” (i.e., 3 layers of chocolate, peanut butter & vanilla fudge) at the “Sea Shell Shop” (SeaShellShop.com) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is (really) tasty;

11499.  The “Big Chill Beach Club” (BigChillBeachClub.com) (in Bethany Beach, Delaware,) is in the Delaware Seashore State Park South Campground.  It’s got great views of the beach as well as live music;

11500.  Apparently, plastic straws aren’t allowed in Delaware state parks;