Life isn’t easy. It’s full of challenges, negativity, and pressures that can make it hard to stay true to ourselves. We’re often caught up in trying to meet society’s standards or comparing ourselves to others. We might feel like we need to be happy all the time, or constantly moving forward, but the truth is that life includes ups and downs, and that’s okay. We all experience difficult times, negative thoughts, and moments where we feel stuck. But it’s important to remember that we’re human—and we’re allowed to feel, rest, and express ourselves authentically, no matter how that looks.

I haven’t always been the person I am today. It’s taken me 29 years to get to this point, and the journey hasn’t been easy. Healing, growing, and finding inner peace have been some of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. There are still days when I doubt myself or want to give up. There are days when I just want to retreat, but I don’t. I’ve grown past that. I’ve created a life I want to live, and even though I still have tough days, progress is progress, and that’s what matters most.

One thing I’ve learned is how much I used to absorb other people’s emotions. This wasn’t always healthy. I spent years surrounded by negativity, always focusing on what was wrong instead of what was right. I learned to believe that those who were doing well or who took care of themselves were selfish or “better than” others. I was wrong. Over time, I realized that there’s nothing wrong with striving to improve, being happy, or simply taking care of yourself.

I used to feel insecure seeing happy, positive people. I would question why they seemed so happy or wonder what I was doing wrong. But I came to understand that happiness often comes from mindset. Maybe they weren’t having the best day, but they focused on the good in the moment. That’s when I realized: My unhappiness wasn’t about them. It was about me and the mindset I had to change.

For years, I lived in a cycle of negativity. I didn’t try new things, I didn’t take care of myself, and I felt stuck in a life I wasn’t happy with. But when I hit a low point, something shifted. I realized I needed to change my environment in order to grow, just like the quote by Alexander Den Heijer says: “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” I took that to heart and began making intentional changes.

I started by setting boundaries with toxic people and focusing on myself. I worked through past trauma, found new hobbies, and learned to identify and address my triggers. I learned to prioritize my well-being and practice self-care. I learned to say no, to listen more, and to stop letting negative emotions control my thoughts. I realized that love is not about toxic behavior or disrespect—it’s about kindness, understanding, and support.

In time, I met someone who truly changed my perspective. A friendship evolved into a romantic relationship, and I found someone who was positive, supportive, and truly loving. Being with him has reminded me that love doesn’t have to be hard or toxic. It can be healthy, encouraging, and peaceful. While I’ve worked hard on myself, his unconditional support has been a key part of my growth.

I still have my days, and I’m far from perfect, but I’m putting in the work every day. Yes, I have regrets and things I wish I could change, but I’ve learned that those experiences shaped who I am today. I don’t want to change my path because it led me to this point. I believe everything happens for a reason, and each decision we make shapes our future.

Life is constantly changing, and we’re always evolving. The way we respond to challenges and obstacles is what truly matters. Things won’t always go according to plan, but we have the power to choose how we react. It’s all about mindset. Life is a journey, full of ups and downs, but it’s the unexpected twists that often lead us to the most beautiful destinations.