I have not willingly read an essay, possibly ever. One point to you lol. This was a good read, that bolsters my confidence to continue on in my own story, both personally and as a writer.
"They start to accept the ups and downs, and move with them, make friends with them, and to dance with them. "
That especially, is the golden ticket. To dance with the change, be present and accepting of it, neither be controlled by or avoid it, but to embrace it with willful intention is the key to life, and, as we all know, our stories are meant to be a reflection of life, however mirror-like or distorted.
<3 Thank you for the boost in confidence :)