The Bridges I’ve Burned
This year has taught me the importance of living a life I’m actually satisfied with. I'm sure that sounds obvious to many but until recently my identity, happiness and goals were tied to a deep desire for external validation.
I spent much of 2022 crossing things off my bucket list that I’ve been dreaming about for decades. I sold everything and moved across the continent to Mexico City in search of freedom. It was only after I arrived that I learned an uncomfortable truth - real freedom is an inside job.
As the saying goes, “wherever you go, there you are.” Here I was in a city I had dreamed of living in for years and I could hardly find the mental strength to enjoy it. I knew something had to change, and it was clear that the something was me. So with teary eyes and a defeated heart, I packed up my belongings and returned to my family’s home in Houston.
In the months that followed, I learned how to finally give myself the credit, and ultimately, the love I deserve. It wasn’t an easy process. Learning to manage discomfort and practice radical acceptance meant pulling away from goals, beliefs and people I thought I’d have in my life forever.
But some bridges need to burn in order to light the way forward.
I’m still learning what this means to me, which brings me to this space.
I’m hoping we can learn and unlearn together.