Life, Change, and Finding Myself Again

It’s been a while since I’ve written here—honestly, life has just been busy. The last time I posted was back in 2023, and somehow it’s already 2025. So, what’s been happening in the meantime?

Remember that friend who ghosted me? Still no word from him—and I’ve come to realize that’s okay. Looking back, I actually see it as a blessing. People change, and sometimes distance reveals who they’ve become. I still pray he figures things out, but I’ve found peace in letting go.

Speaking of friendships, I also ended a 13-year friendship last year. We had dated briefly, then stayed close for years. But over time, I started to notice how the friendship no longer felt healthy. I was constantly feeling unheard and undervalued. The breaking point came when my family was disrespected, and I knew I couldn’t keep excusing the behavior. So, I finally walked away—and it was the best thing I could’ve done for myself. It felt like a weight lifted. For the first time in a long time, I could breathe again.

Then came one of my biggest milestones: I graduated with my master’s degree at the end of 2024 and started my PhD journey in January 2025! It’s been challenging but also deeply rewarding. Through my classes and new friendships, I’ve learned so much about who I am—and who I want to be.

Life, Change, and Finding Myself Again

But life isn’t just about the wins, is it? In May 2025, I lost my cat, Princess. She had been with me through everything—my comfort, my little shadow, my best friend. Losing her broke me in ways I didn’t expect. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or stop crying. It felt like the world had gone quiet. When I lost my grandfather in 2023, I thought I was broken—but losing Princess shattered me completely.

A few months later, though, two new little blessings entered my life: Meg and Millie. Meg is two years old and used to live with my parents as an outdoor cat, but we always knew she belonged inside. Then came Millie, my sweet 6-month-old kitten. They’ve both brought so much joy back into my life. Sometimes, I catch glimpses of Princess in them—like she sent them to remind me I wasn’t alone.

Life has this funny way of balancing loss and renewal, doesn’t it? I’ve come to believe that everything that happens—good or bad—has a purpose. Every experience shapes us, teaches us, and helps us grow into who we’re meant to be.

When we learn to embrace our authentic selves, something shifts. We start attracting the right people and letting go of the toxic ones. We stop searching for happiness in others and start finding it within ourselves.

I even wrote a reminder on my mirror that I see every day:“To love someone is to love yourself first.”

So here’s my little message to you (and to myself):You’re worth it. You are enough. You’ve got this.Be you—authentically, unapologetically, beautifully you.

YOU BE YOU!