[agony007]

i have realized something after the past couple of months. i realized that i lost myself. i lost who i was. i allowed someone to isolate me from the people i love. i was stripped of my liberties and beliefs, little by little. how foolish of me did not notice it. those closest to me have told me that they have seen the changes but did not dare intervene. but that is fine because it is something i had to do myself. funny how at the time u think well one must make sacrifices for your relationship. but i realized that i sacrificed myself, my entire being. i look in the mirror and the reflection is a complete stranger to me. look at my clothes, all seem strange to me. even those closest to me have told me that they noticed that i am not now i am at a point where i have discovered that i am not obligated to live my life this way. i have the right to spread my wings and fly. to be me once again. can't wait, i am counting down the days. don't know if i can wait that long. but i want to thank my friends here at PC who have supported me and helped me in this process.

agony007

good for you!!!!

[Wants2Fly]

I second what Fayerody says. Well done. Bravo or brava!

i'm a firm believe in that it is never too late to start anew!!!!

[capricorn]

Dear agony007,
Good on you
Many women find themselves having a 'light-bulb' moment such as this. I can relate to that myself.
For many years I carried the 'weight' of many things regarding my family. Then, too, 10 years ago, realised that I was losing my sense-of-self. Did alot of reflective thinking and found myself again.
I adore my children and will always be there for them, come rain, hail or shine. But I also do the same for myself. I now follow my passions, such as illustration (use to be a professional illustrator), professional counselling and working with children (children with Autism - A.B.A. therapy).
The road to finding yourself can be a long one. Some things happen quickly and some take time.
But always be kind to yourself and remember that your life's journey begins and ends with you.
Wish you well.

[agony007]

capricorn how ironic is that i too serve families of children ages 0-3 who have various developmental disorders. i have specialized in working with the ABA cases.

i want to thank all you for your posts. u are all right. the lightbulb turned on and i will never let anyone turn it off. i will enjoy each day with my boys who are my rocks, my everything, the reason i am still here. there is no hug better than their hugs, no kisses better than their kisses, and no love stronger than their love. now that i have found myself i must make sure that i stay away from painful situations as this has been enough of a learning experience. i have to make sure that i do the right things to ensure that i do not hurt anyone that does not deserve to be hurt, no to get hurt when it can be avoided.

thank you all for your support i will never forget it.

[sabby]

((((((((agony)))))))))

It seems to be part of the aging/maturing process as we raise our families and give give give to them, quietly forgetting our own needs, that we finally awaken and realize that there is a huge part of us that is missing.

I hit my "light bulb" stage around 41-42 years. I made some huge sweeping changes in my life. I had become ill and was looking at a very scary dx for almost a year. I then got a chance to travel to the UK with a friend for a holiday. When I came back from that trip is when the light bulb came on and I realized there was more to life than me giving giving giving to everyone else but me.

It's a wonderful trip to go on...finding what makes you tick and what new and exciting things you want to work towards. The possibilities are endless. I don't regret the changes I made for a minute. I have learned more in the past 10 years than I had up until that point and I plan on learning more and more about myself and the world.

Good luck with your new visions....your new goals and taking care of YOU!!!

Hugsssss
J