The conversation wasn't seamless and there's still some judgement and old ideas...

But she listened and seemed to want to make an effort.
She might be the only parent that would accept that much of it... So I'm lucky even if it will never be perfect acceptance.

But it's also a journey for me to just allow myself to be myself and not rely on what used to be my reference and mentors being my parents.

I'm my own self now. I'm me. And I need to build pride and confidence in that.