Should I Stay or Should I Go: Stranger Things Season 5 + Life Reflections

"Alexa, play 'Should I Stay or Should I Go?'" (Click play on the video so it can play while you read so you can get the FULL Stranger Things effect while we talk about it....)

So… how are my Stranger Things nerds holding up after that mid-season finale?

Because WHAT A RIDE.

I don’t even know how to describe the emotional state I was in after finishing it, but it was giving: “Okay, Will Byers… we see you. We SEE you. And now I need Christmas to hurry up like yesterday so Netflix can stop playing with my feelings.”

Time is already a thief, so whatever—give it about three and a half days, we’ll blink and it’ll be here.

Meanwhile in my real-life plot twist…

I always wanted to follow in Penelope Garcia’s footsteps, and honestly? I kind of did… just not FBI-level (pretty sure the shunt disqualifies me from PT, so my agent dreams are officially fan-fiction). But hey—I’m still the goofy “weirdo” behind the computer creating cool shit, so win-win.

Oh—and apparently, I have a teenager now? Since WHEN. I blinked and fast-forwarded several years.

Time… chill out.

Remaining thankful through the tough times...

Alright, Facebook and Snapchat—we need to talk.

We know you don’t mean to hurt our feelings with these memory reminders, but can you at least use your AI abilities to read the room?

Sometimes I scroll through my old memories like I’m watching a documentary about someone else’s life. And then one memory hits the nerve… you know the one.

Six years ago?

A whole different world. A whole different version of me. A whole different storyline that could’ve ended… very differently.

And to think of where I was versus where I am now.

It’s insane. Not to be dramatic, but it feels like I hopped timelines.

After my last round of brain surgeries, I swore I’d reached my lifetime trauma quota. I was like, “I’m full, thanks. No more. I’m good.”

Peace became the priority—non-negotiable. If people don’t like it, don’t like me, or don’t like how I move? Cool. There’s the door.

Speaking of staying…

As my storyline continues, I’ve realized who’s still here—the ones who stayed even when life got messy. I’m endlessly grateful for them.

And while I love my small circle, meeting complete strangers online has also been pretty cool. Whether it’s Hydrocephalus warriors, hikers, fellow travelers, or the gamer weirdos who make me feel understood—those connections matter.

And if someone decides not to stick around? Totally fine. I’m not for the faint-hearted or the easily offended.

Just like Max said in in Season 5, Episode 4.... “People say I’m too negative. I just think I’m honest.”

Listen… if I’m anyone in the Stranger Things universe, I’m 100% a Mayfield. Dry humor? Check. Trauma survivor energy? Double check. Realistic to a fault with a soft spot hidden under 17 layers of sarcasm?

Yeah. That’s me. Validated.

Also—can we talk about Sarah O’Connor coming in as Dr. Kay?? Is my age showing?

So… Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Funny how that soundtrack tied perfectly into the theme of the episode and the theme of my life lately.

The answer?

I think it’s obvious.

Growth comes with a lot of good-byes…But it also comes with a few really important stays.

And this season of my life—and this season of Stranger Things—might just be my favorite one yet.

If you haven’t watched Season 5 yet—please go do it. If you’re wondering whether you should start the show—yes, absolutely. And if you don’t care about Stranger Things at all, then HOW did you manage to read this far? Go you.

We are officially clocked out for the weekend. Have a safe holiday, and I’ll see you next week.

With love,

CT

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel - we are about to pick up where we left off. And honestly - I need to redo my story about my life with Hydrocephalus because yikes, I am a bit cringe-y.