I've received many tender responses to my little story about seeing my wrinkles in the mirror.
I'm very touched by them. Thank you!

I hope it's not a mistake to share something about myself.

By my early twenties I was aware that I had regular mood swings, up - down every 2 or 3 months. Sometimes light, sometimes self-destructive.
I self-medicated with non-stop coffee and Camel cigarettes. It was a way to keep moving, but it didn't support a dependable work life. I survived, but sometimes it was a miracle.
One other miracle: my urge to smoke went away in libraries and bookstores. I spent a lot of time looking for...the book...the book...the book that would teach me what I needed.
At the age of 40 I found _The Hidden Addiction and How to Get Free_ by Jan Keller Phelps.
I stopped smoking! I learned to eat healthy foods. It was a lot to learn.

I began learning a profession that would allow me to work with my mood swings.
It was not easy, I made many mistakes, but I learned to deal with myself and maintain a professional reputation.
I helped others to learn.

37 years later, I'm not much different. My moods still swing and I can be very oversensitive, but I've learned to recognize myself. I don't react to myself, I just observe myself, knowing these are my feelings, and they will change. I don't bang against the walls. I'm even starting to understand why I am the way I am.

So, I'd suggest to others: You are who you are, and you probably won't change. Try to look kindly on yourself. And on others. If it hurts it's because it's not easy. Try to accept your journey. Try to enjoy the scenery. And my hope for you is that sometimes your walk will be a little lighter.
Sometimes the music may touch your heart.