When Did I Just Give Up on Myself?
It’s never too late to realize.. Take a deep breath and try all over again!
I’ve always believed I was happy. Doing what I love, earning enough to splurge on myself — whatever I felt like spending on. It seemed like the perfect life. But recently, I’ve come to realize that this so-called perfect life has become monotonous, a cycle of 9 to 5 work and attempts at being sociable that just drain my energy. I thought I didn’t care about what people thought of me. I really believed that.
But a few weeks ago, something happened that shook me to my core. I went to a café, something I usually enjoy. I ordered my drink, and while I worked, I savored every sip of my coffee. Yet, despite the familiarity, I felt an overwhelming sense of nervousness, as if everyone was watching me. It was irrational, I knew that, but it creeped me out nonetheless. Lately, I’ve been too much in my head, battling fears that aren’t even real.
A similar thing happened not long after. I thought I was prepared for anything, but I found myself at the cinema, ordering popcorn. When it came time to pay, my mobile payment didn’t work, and I realized I had no cash. Panic set in. It felt like the world was crumbling around me, all because of what people might think. I was shaken to my core, the embarrassment and fear gripping me in a way that was far from proportionate to the situation.
That’s when it hit me: when did I give up on myself? It was a moment of sudden clarity and rage. I realized I haven’t moved on from my past. I’ve become so accustomed to seeking validation in everything I do. There’s no space for me to genuinely be myself without worrying about others’ opinions. It’s exhausting.
The truth is, people aren’t even thinking about me as much as I think they are. It’s just me, overthinking every little thing. This realization was both freeing and devastating. Freeing because it meant I could start letting go of these unnecessary fears. Devastating because it made me confront how much of my life I’ve wasted being anxious about what others think.
This blog isn’t just a rant; it’s a confession and a plea to myself and anyone reading this. We need to stop living for others and start living for ourselves. It’s a call to action.
So, what’s the actual point of reading this blog? It’s about recognizing that the need for validation can become a prison. It’s about understanding that the person judging us the most harshly is often ourselves. If you’re feeling the same way, know that you’re not alone. It’s time to reclaim our lives and find joy in the things we love without the burden of constant validation. Let’s start living genuinely, for us.
Here’s what I’ve learned and what I hope you’ll take away:
1. Self-Awareness is Crucial:Recognize when you’re overthinking and understand that it’s okay to feel vulnerable.
2. Embrace Your Fears: Accept that fear is a part of life, but it shouldn’t control you. Confront it and move past it.
3. Stop Seeking Validation: Your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions. Live for yourself, and do what makes you happy.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them without harsh judgment.
5. Reconnect with Joy: Find activities and passions that make you feel alive and fulfilled. Engage in them without worrying about external approval.
If you’re reading this, take it as a sign to reflect on your own life. Are you living for yourself or for others’ approval? It’s time to let go of unnecessary fears and start living authentically. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and liberation. Let’s find our happiness within ourselves and not from the validation of others.
If you enjoyed reading it to this point, please share this blog to someone whom you feels like need to read and have a moment of self-realization so that they can start their life again.
Happy reading, dear readers,
You are the ones who truly make me happy and fulfilled. Your reads and claps bring so much joy to my life. Thank you, blessed souls, for your support and encouragement. May your day be filled with positive energy and happiness.
Yours sincerely,
Starter_Startler
