When I had my breakthrough, I realized that my fears were based on thoughts I believed to be true since they had been taught to me from childhood on until adulthood. It was one of my greatest fears to share my opinion and thoughts, since I was terrified to be questioned or told in humiliating ways how wrong I was. Therefore, it was so relieving to let go of this fear, too. I promised myself I would no longer hide my truth if that meant denying myself. That’s when I began writing my book “I’m Free.” In it, I freely shared my experiences and the paths that led me out of my many prisons (still processing). Whenever possible, I also draw on examples from my own life in my posts. By doing so, I risk people close to me reading them, but I’m no longer afraid of that.

Has everyone been happy with my changed self? No, because I have become an independent thinker and do everything MY way.

Does everyone like the examples I share in my book or my posts? No, because they can include people (with or without any identifying details) who are also reading my work.

Does it hurt what they may say? Yes, it does, because I get reminded of old patterns that led me to my inner conflicts, which they still cannot see.

Does it intimidate me? Definitely not, because such reactions are like tests for me, which only show me how far I have come.

Am I mad? No, because I understand that, from their perspective, they can’t see things from my point of view.

For most of my life, I felt like an alien. In my mid-30s, I realized that I wasn’t an alien at all. I simply noticed a disconnect between what people told me about myself and how I felt about myself. Somewhere along the way, I finally recognized that the problem wasn’t me. So I will not back down, and I will not stop speaking out, because hiding and remaining silent are the reasons why people feel left alone with their experiences, their pain, and their questions. I don’t want anyone to suffer from self-doubt and psychological oppression any longer than necessary, as this only leads to anxiety and depression. This blog will remain a platform for sharing what many go through in their daily lives, and I will keep using examples from daily life (as is this post) to inspire. So, if I share something that someone might find offensive, it is not my intention to offend, but to make people think, and those who feel offended… to make them think about why they are.

You can’t control what others think of you; that’s their path. And that’s ok, because their reaction is part of their journey. But it’s THEIR reaction, and you decide how to handle it – that’s YOUR reaction. Other people’s reactions can be a challenge to test your steadfastness. You recognize them and can make sure you don’t fall back into old, self-destructive patterns. That’s why we have one another; to keep us evolving through action and reaction. Everyone has their packages to carry, and what “shocks” us about other people’s opinions might actually apply to us. Again, we are mirrors to each other. My journey influences yours and vice versa.

To come full circle back to the opening quote:

What people think about you has more to do with them than with you.
So, in remaining true to yourself,
you may even help those other people to perhaps resolve something in themselves.

In Love and Light