A Year of Introspection

Last year marked a pivotal chapter in my life, a period steeped in deep reflection and introspection. It was a time when I started to deconstruct every aspect of my life — my limiting beliefs, career choices, and the very foundation of the decisions I had made. This wasn’t just an exercise in self-examination; it was a journey about discovering what I truly want in life and what I’m willing to sacrifice to get it.

The Mystery Illness
As I navigated through this period of self-discovery, I was battling an enigmatic illness (which I now know is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). My weight plummeted by 60 pounds quickly without explanation, accompanied by a bizarre array of symptoms that confounded doctors and eluded diagnosis. The treatments were ineffective, leaving me in a state of fear and vulnerability. Ironically, the physical transformation that might have been celebrated under different circumstances became a source of intense self-consciousness and unwanted attention.

Betrayal and Isolation
This ordeal was compounded by a profound sense of betrayal from those I considered friends and family members. Their lack of empathy, compassion, and care gave me a stark realization on how they cared no more for me than a stranger. They were truly strangers, and their indifference in my time of need (which was a rare occurrence to begin with) was a painful revelation.

The decision to listen to my inner voice and sever ties with many was not taken lightly, but their silence in the aftermath of my health crisis confirmed I made the right decision. While staying true to my belief in the importance of forgiveness and redemption, I chose to love from a distance for the sake of my peace.