Not knitting, more personal reminder

At first, you press forward as usual and think nothing of it.  New situation?  No problem.
Then the attention starts; negative and some a little too positive.  So, you dial yourself back. 
Clothing becomes a bit more standard, (it's fine, you have little kids anyway).  You retreat from conversation (most folks don't care to discuss plants, tarot cards, or the fact that you know all the lyrics to every song on (the original) Blue's Clues).
Socializing becomes awkward on a good day.
Twenty years later, you are pretty much a hermit; leaving the house only when necessary.
You have outwardly become the quiet, obedient spouse who is considered rather odd and tends to make people uncomfortable when they try and talk to you because awkward at best is your current normal.
Then, you realize the situation is shifting again. Your kids do their own things, clean up after themselves and cook dinner for you twice a week.
The structure and rules, (oh so many assumed and unspoken) your life has followed the last two decades are being phased out.  Change is in the air.
Your wardrobe has been steadily improving.  And while being social with anyone for longer than two minutes is still awkward, your sartorial choices help with conversation.
You've started writing again. The light bulb over your head clicks on as you remember all the different things you are able to do and make...and you can't exactly pinpoint when or why you stopped.
Conforming to what other expect you should be suddenly chafes terribly.
The urge to run down the street cackling with a comet tail of yarn and Halloween decorations is strong.
Instead, you will put out a few more holiday decorations, grinning and humming to yourself...probably making the neighbors uncomfortable. 
You feel more Morticia Addams and less awkward hermit.  Let's call it progress.