Breaking Free: My Journey to Finding Freedom in Life

"Make your life a dream, and your dreams a reality"

My life can clearly be split into two distinct phases: before and after 2018. That year marked a profound transformation for me - I managed to end a toxic relationship and embarked on a journey of healing. It's been a tumultuous time of rebuilding from the ground up, figuring out how to embrace my newfound freedom, moving back in with my parents due to financial constraints, starting a new job, venturing back into the dating scene in my mid-30s, pursuing a new degree, addressing mental health challenges, and, most crucially, learning how to love and care for myself.

The Path to Healing

Therapy became my anchor during this transformation. It not only highlighted the value of self-discovery but equipped me with practical tools to enhance my mental health daily. If you haven't tried therapy yet, pick up the phone and call a therapist. I mean it - I truly believe that every single person can benefit from the unbiased insight it offers on self-improvement. After all, nobody is perfect ;)

Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

Through this journey, I've become acutely aware of how societal expectations can suffocate our true selves. These prescribed norms dictate everything - from our career paths to our relationship timelines, from our living arrangements to how we handle our struggles. Breaking free from these expectations wasn't just liberating; it was essential for my mental health.

Some key realizations along the way:

• Career Success: Society often measures success by career advancement and financial status. For someone like me, breaking away from the "corporate rat race" is essential to seek a life that prioritizes personal happiness and well-being over traditional markers of success

• Relationship Timelines: There's a common expectation to follow specific life milestones - like marrying at a certain age or having children by a certain point. For me, learning to be truly happy on my own and then consciously choosing to date again in my mid-30s on my own terms was an act of reclaiming my independence from these societal timelines

• Living Arrangements: The expectation to live independently can pressure individuals financially and emotionally. Moving back in with my parents was a strategic choice that supported my financial stability and emotional recovery, despite societal views on adult children living at home

• Mental Health Stigma: Seeking help for mental health issues is often stigmatized. My decision to embrace therapy and openly discuss it challenges the notion that mental health care is a sign of weakness or something to be hidden

The Turning Point

This past year, I had a crucial epiphany - I wanted more out of life. By "more," I mean the freedom to:

• Maximize my happiness

• Choose where I live

• Decide who I interact with

• Leave unhealthy situations (romantically or also professionally) behind

• Break away from the corporate rat race

• Travel whenever and wherever I desire

• Help others on their journey

  
  

As I read somewhere recently, "Make your life a dream, and your dreams a reality."

Moving Forward

Today, I stand at a turning point, moving beyond mere survival and reconstruction toward creating my dream future. This journey has taught me that:

• Uncertainty can be embracing rather than frightening

• Self-discovery is an ongoing journey

• Small victories deserve celebration

• Personal freedom and happiness should never be compromised

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To every woman feeling trapped by societal expectations or struggling to break free from toxic situations - you're not alone. Your journey might look different from mine, but that's exactly how it should be. We each have our own path to freedom and self-discovery.

Remember, it's never too late to:

• Start therapy

• Change your career

• Leave toxic relationships

• Rebuild your life

• Chase your dreams

• Create the life you truly want

As I continue building my dream life, I'm reminded daily that true freedom comes from living authentically, regardless of societal expectations. Your journey to freedom might be just beginning, but trust me - taking that first step is worth every challenge that follows.

What's your definition of freedom? How are you working towards it? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.

#PersonalDevelopment #FemaleEmpowerment #MentalHealthAwareness #Girlboss #SelfDiscovery