7 Years: Living for Someone Else's Needs
Let's be real, we've all been there. You know, that feeling of being a hamster on a wheel, running and running but getting nowhere? That feeling of living your life, but not really living it? It's the feeling of being so focused on someone else's needs that your own get completely lost in the shuffle.
The "I'm-So-Busy-I-Don't-Even-Know-Who-I-Am" Phase
It happens gradually. One day you're a free spirit, chasing your dreams and exploring life with reckless abandon. Then, you fall in love, get married, maybe have kids. Suddenly, your world revolves around someone else's needs. And before you know it, seven years have flown by and you're staring at your reflection, wondering who the heck that person is.
The Price of "Putting Myself Last"
For years, I lived in this "putting myself last" mode. It wasn't malicious, I genuinely wanted the best for my partner and family. But somewhere along the line, my own desires and dreams got buried under a mountain of to-do lists, responsibilities, and the constant need to please everyone else. I was exhausted, resentful, and, honestly, kinda lost.
The Turning Point
The turning point for me was a simple conversation with a friend. He saw the exhausted mom/wife/person I'd become. He asked me, "What about you? What makes you happy?" It was a wake-up call. I realized I'd been so focused on everyone else that I'd completely forgotten who I was.
The "Rediscovering Myself" Journey
That conversation led me to a journey of self-discovery. It wasn't easy. It involved a lot of soul-searching, therapy sessions, and some serious "me time." I had to reconnect with my passions, my dreams, and, most importantly, my own identity. It was like rediscovering myself after years of being buried under a pile of "shoulds" and "musts."
From "Selfless" to "Self-Aware"
The journey isn't over, and it won't be easy. But I'm learning to prioritize myself without sacrificing my commitment to those I love. I'm learning to say "no" sometimes, to set boundaries, and to carve out time for myself. It's about finding a healthy balance – a balance that allows me to be the best version of myself while still being a supportive partner and parent.
Finding Your Own "Balance"
If you're feeling like you've lost yourself in the demands of others, know that you're not alone. The journey to rediscovering yourself is a personal one. It might involve therapy, journaling, rekindling old hobbies, or even just taking a few minutes each day to focus on your own needs. Don't be afraid to take a break, to prioritize yourself, and to remember that your own happiness matters.
Because, after all, you deserve to be happy, too. And you deserve to live a life that feels like your own.