Tina, this is a stunning personal essay. I remember enjoying cottage cheese with grape jelly when I was a kid (dad's concoction). I no longer eat dairy, but I remember large curd cottage cheese--and, I agree with you--it's delicious.

On to the meat of your juicy essay. You've hit on so manny nuggets of wisdom here. I find myself being a strange woman/mom/wife in that I often put my needs before others (so I'm essentially learning the opposite, lol). However, I know what you say is true for the majority of women and it needs to be said. And, women need to put themselves first more often.

This is such a scrumptious way of conveying your messsage. I'm glad you're rediscovering yourself. :)