“There are only two ways to live your life. One as if all that matters is to have someone love and accept you. The other is as though loving and accepting another person is all that matters. Often, when you choose the second you get the first.”

Shannon L. Alder is a contemporary American writer and educator. She is known for her work on mindfulness and emotional resilience, particularly in educational settings, blending practical advice with accessible, reflective language. Her insights often bridge psychology and everyday experience.