I’m still so glad I had a really good nickname in the army. That was a nice ego boost coming out of middle (especially) and high school where the only nicknames I received were derisive and derogatory.

For those who don’t know, everyone I considered a friend in the army called me “Chill.” That was mainly due to how laid back and collected in the face of danger I tend to be. A few people noticed and started tossing out that sobriquet because I was always so (appropriately enough) chilled out. I’m not an emotional person in general, but I can tell you that it definitely affected me hearing people I liked and respected calling me something that meant they liked and respected me too.

Being not treated like trash makes so much difference. Leaving North Florida is the best decision I ever made. The second best choice I’ve ever made was letting my partner know she’s the one, but if I hadn’t done the first the second one would’ve never happened.

As ever, I am Chill.