Finding Freedom

2023 was a game-changer for me, marking the first time I truly dedicated myself to personal growth. Reflecting back, I see it as the year I learned to extend the kindness to myself that I'd always reserved for others. It's funny, isn't it? We rarely notice the harshness of our inner critic until we stop to listen. The journey toward cultivating a healthier relationship with myself has been both enlightening and challenging. After all, maintaining a positive relationship with oneself is crucial, yet surprisingly tricky.

The initial step for me was untangling the jumble of voices in my head, which felt more like trying to calm a boisterous crowd. Deciphering my own desires amidst the cacophony was overwhelming, dragging me into a depth of sadness where it felt hard to breathe.

Moving away from the comfort of my family meant I had to establish my support network in a foreign land. The distance made authenticity a struggle, especially when faced with criticism that led me to silence my own voice over the years. Hitting rock bottom in 2023, I made it my mission to reclaim that voice. A simple, yet profound reminder from a friend sparked this journey: would you ever be as harsh to a friend as you are to yourself?

Breaking free from the mold of others' expectations has been incredibly liberating. Accepting myself, flaws and all, was a pivotal step. I realized that distancing myself from those who project their struggles onto me was essential for my well-being. It dawned on me that striving for perfection was an impossible and unnecessary burden. Yes, I am impatient, sometimes a little clumsy with my actions, but I’m also kind, loyal, and loving. These traits, both the good and the "imperfect," are the essence of who I am.

This process has gifted me a new sense of freedom—the freedom to silence external pressures and live authentically. Embracing curiosity, learning, and exploration has allowed me to love myself more deeply and encourage authenticity in every aspect of my life.

Isn't it fascinating how, by allowing ourselves to be truly seen—flaws and all—we unlock a form of freedom that's both exhilarating and deeply comforting? This freedom has been my guiding light, leading me away from living according to others' expectations and towards a life of my own design.

In hindsight, this journey has been about much more than just finding my voice. It's been about learning to listen to it, to trust it, and to let it guide me through life's complexities. It's taught me the invaluable lesson that the most important acceptance is the acceptance we grant ourselves. To embrace every facet of our being is not just an act of self-love but an act of rebellion against a world that often demands we fit into neat, predefined boxes.

As I reflect on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth experienced. It's a journey that's far from over, but one that I now embrace with open arms and a heart full of hope. So here's to the power of self-love, to the courage to be authentically you, and to the beauty of discovering that, in doing so, we find our truest form of freedom.

Ending Note: If there's one thing I hope you take away from my story, it's that being kind to yourself isn't just about self-care routines or positive affirmations; it's about embracing your authentic self, with all its imperfections, and recognizing that you are enough. As we venture into the unknown, let's promise to be our own best friends, to laugh at our quirks, and to celebrate our unique journey. Here's to making every year a breakthrough year, simply by being unapologetically ourselves.

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Wanderlust In My Thirties

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It Is Definitely You And Not Me