I decided to go for it. It’s not like me to put myself out there, but I am learning to be more brave and to remind myself that it is really about the process.

So, I did it.

I sent in a picture of my Pandora bracelet, along with its story, to a local jewelry store’s facebook page to enter a contest.

I am grateful for Kim, whose kind sharing of the stories behind her bracelets and charms at breakfast together once upon a time prompted me to be curious about rather than contemptuous of my story.

I am grateful for Steve, whose thoughtfulness surprised me with a bracelet and that first charm.

You can read my Pandora story here.