Seasons of Life

We all go through different seasons in our life. Some seasons are easier than others, some are longer or shorter, some involve much change and flexibility. The most recent season of my life lasted 14 years. It was a wonderful 14 years, but also one season of many in my life. Many people have judged and criticized me for moving into a new season of my life “so soon”. Why does society put a certain amount of time on moving forward after a big life change? Why do we as humans care so much about what others think, when it does not have any direct impact on our life?

I decided early on that I wasn’t going to put a set amount of time on moving forward. I wasn’t going to be depressed and stay sad, instead of continuing to live my life and be happy by myself. I knew I was going to continue to work on myself, grow, and become a better version. I wasn’t actively looking to embark into another relationship, but also didn’t want to close my heart completely. After many dating app fails, and even successes with meeting amazing new friends, I decided to delete the apps and just get to know people more organically. Little did I know that I would reconnect with someone that I’m very compatible with. Honestly, I didn’t expect to meet someone, as I wasn’t actively looking, but it was a very happy surprise.

This time around, I know myself so much better. I know what works, what doesn’t work. What I’m looking for in a partner. I also have found MY own happiness. I don’t need to rely on anyone else to be happy. I am me and I am proud of who I’ve become and will continue to become. Whether or not others can understand that and support me, isn’t honestly a worry for me whatsoever. I used to be such a people-pleaser. I hated rocking the boat, avoided confrontation like the plague, and just wanted to live up to other’s expectations. I am on to a better version of myself. Someone who is confident, happy, and not worried about others. It sounds harsh, but it’s such a liberating feeling.

As always, be your authentic self. Even if others don’t appreciate it. Don’t cave in to societal pressures and feel the need to try to please others, because in the process you may lose sight of yourself. Although we as society feel like we can judge others when they move forward, we need to realize that no one is on the same timeline or has experienced the same things. We truly don’t know someone’s story, even though we tend to assume we do. xoxo