The Unfamiliar Path to Freedom: My Genuine Self

I was always a people pleaser. But finally removed my own chains.

Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels

Afraid people would have judged, belittled, or left me, I never expressed my truthful opinion. For years, I pretended to be someone else. I knew if I revealed my authentic self, they wouldn’t have approved.

Convinced that punishment would have followed, I knew they wouldn’t have understood.

As a result, I pretended to conform to their ideas. But silent resentment consumed me whole. It was still not good enough even while I conformed.

The realization struck hard.

Nobody would respect me if I continued on this familiar path.

Self-acceptance was the Key

I learned how to rely on myself to find happiness and strength to let go of the person everyone wanted me to be. I understood that happiness cannot be found in living up to other people’s expectations.

True happiness only exists when I can be unapologetically myself.

Setting boundaries to be the person I’m meant to be is an act of self-care, even at the risk of disappointing people. Yes. I was punished for my boundaries. An attempt to keep me on their familiar path.

But I resisted, stayed with myself, and finally removed my own chain.

The Unfamiliar Path to Freedom

My journey through the different ecosystems of my life cleared.

Even while I have a vision of what might be beyond, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to admire the breathtaking views, smell the flowers, rest under the trees, feel the breeze, hear the sounds of the forest, and courageously climb the obstacles.

And follow my heart.

As I explore this unfamiliar path, I think. What is the point of the destination if I rush through the journey?

Respectfully, I no longer resent the people who punished me. For I was the one who chose their familiar path. I opted for their acceptance over myself — chained to their ideals. What I needed was an awakening of the spirit. The belief that my desires mattered and my happiness mattered more.

I asked the Universe to guide me deep within the core of my existence. And she lovingly answered:

The unfamiliar path to freedom originates from within your genuine self.