A Journey Of Discovery

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Reaching Out and Reflecting: A Journey of Reconnection and Self-Discovery

In my last post, I challenged all of you to build community, to reach out to someone, to reconnect, to nurture relationships. And I’m proud to say that I took my own advice. I reached out to an old friend, and to my surprise (and delight), we reconnected. It’s been a small but significant step for me in this process. I’m reminding myself that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Baby steps. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Starting to Understand

As I reflect on my journey, I’m starting to understand something deep and important. Maybe, just maybe, the reason I chose to be alone for a while wasn’t because I stopped caring about people. It wasn’t because I no longer wanted connection. It was because I needed space to heal. I needed time to rediscover myself without the constant pressure of feeling like I wasn’t measuring up to other people’s expectations of me.

The last couple of years—2023 and 2024—were exceptionally hard. For myself, my husband, and our family. It was a period marked by personal struggles, challenges that often felt like they would never end. There’s a lot that still needs to be unpacked from that time, and maybe one day I’ll share more. But for now, I’m choosing to focus on the present and the process of healing.

Sometimes, stepping away from it all is the best way to move forward. And choosing yourself—choosing your own peace and well-being—isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

Being Brave: A Commitment to Myself

Being brave is something I’ve had to relearn in this process. It’s about not abandoning myself, even when life feels uncertain. I’ve realized that in order to grow stronger, I have to be willing to feel again. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential. I need to find the courage to reconnect with my heart, to let myself feel all the things that come with healing, without fear of vulnerability or judgment.

This process also means setting stronger boundaries—something that has been hard for me, but I know it’s essential. Boundaries aren’t just about protecting myself from others; they’re about respecting my own needs and emotions. And in doing all of this, I’ve never wanted to hurt anyone. That was never my intention. But I’ve learned something important along the way: I cannot control how others respond to my choices. No matter how pure my intentions are, not everyone will understand. And that’s okay.

The Path Forward: Embracing Growth Without Apology

One thing this journey has taught me is that not everyone is meant to walk the same path as you. People come and go, and that’s part of life’s journey. Sometimes, the people you thought would be with you forever, won’t be. And sometimes, you’ll have to let go. But that’s okay too. As long as you’re moving forward, becoming the best version of yourself, you don’t owe anyone an apology for your growth. You don’t need to feel obligated to explain your choices. Embrace who you are becoming, and live your life unapologetically.

The road to self-discovery and healing is long, and it’s not always easy. But it’s worth it. You deserve to be the best version of yourself, and in that process, you’ll learn to love yourself more deeply, to set the boundaries that protect your heart, and to build connections that truly nourish you.

I’m still on this journey, and I’m not in a rush. I’m taking my time, one step at a time. And I hope you are, too.