This was a fascinating article though I never knew of Joan Didion, but your favorite quote resonates so much. I would be relatively ok if "the person I used to be" came unannounced as long as it's at the front door. Unfortunately, my past self has often acted incognito or covertly, like a hacker from the dark web, to sabotage my present self's mission to became a better person or improved version of myself.

Anyway, thank you for your attention!