Alice doesn't live here anymore....

I came across an old journal of mine the other day.
It was from about 20 years ago. It reads a bit like Bridget Jones Diary, you know, the listing of current weight and goal weight. The recrimination and promises to repent from all bad habits. The wistful musing about broken dreams, Prince Charmings who have lost their charm and the constant conflict between what you want and what you need.
And as I read this little tome, I realized I don't know that girl anymore.
The current girl has her head on a lot straighter. Sure, she would love to weigh the "before" weight now. (130 lbs!!! Was I nuts???) And she still needs to repent of all of her bad habits (Sadly, they have multiplied.) Her dreams still need some Super Glue, and Prince Charming no longer exists.
I'm not so sure he ever did.
But she stopped caring about the difference between what she wants and what she needs. She's realized (okay, no more talking in the third person...I'm starting to sound like a certain psychotic I used to know) that the closer you get to being your authentic self, the less defined the line between need and want becomes.
Nope. Alice doesn't live here anymore.
I think if she popped in for a visit, I'd tolerate her quiet, unassuming presence for a while. I'd maybe give her some coffee and a bit of cheesecake. I'd encourage her to like who she sees in the mirror (because it just don't get any better, baby!) and stop letting people walk all over her. I'd tell her to trust and respect herself, to boldly seek out what she wants and not let anyone tell her how selfish she's being.
And then I'd show her the door, because I think she'd drive me a little crazy.