How I Found Happiness by Facing the Past I Worked So Hard to Escape
“Ten years from now, make sure you can say you chose your life, you didn’t settle for it.” ~Mandy Hale
I spent most of my youth trying to escape. From the mother who drank too much and the violent men she dated and from the kids at school who made fun of me for wearing the same clothes every week.
I felt shame and guilt because I believed that my circumstances defined who I was, which meant that I was unimportant, unworthy even.
So, I created elaborate imaginary worlds where I was smart, successful, and often saved the day. Where …