How I Chose to Live the Life I Always Dreamed Of

For the longest time, I felt stuck. Disappointed. Like life was moving around me while I stood still. I used to look at others, wondering how they had it all together—how their lives seemed so vibrant, so full of purpose. Meanwhile, I was suffocating under a weight of frustration and discontent. The endless cycle of waking up feeling uninspired, going through the motions, and letting another day slip away without truly living—it became a routine, one I didn’t know how to break free from.

I spent so much time feeling sorry for myself, so much energy focused on the things that weren’t going right, that I forgot to notice the beauty of what was right in front of me. It wasn’t that my life didn’t have its blessings—my health, my loved ones, the small moments of joy—but I couldn’t see them anymore. It was all overshadowed by an internal battle, a constant ache in my chest that I couldn’t shake. Depression became a shadow that hung over me, and for too long, I allowed it to dictate my narrative.

But on top of that, I had a past weighed down by verbal abuse and bullying. The harsh words and cruel taunts from others cut deeper than I ever let on. The hurtful things people said stayed with me long after the incidents were over, and they planted seeds of doubt in my heart. Those words echoed in my mind, making me feel unworthy, small, and invisible. It took a long time to realize that the voices that once dragged me down didn’t deserve the space in my head anymore.

But there came a turning point. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it happened, but one day, I looked in the mirror and asked myself, "What if I could have the life I've always dreamed of? What if I could create a life that made me excited to wake up each day?" And that was it. That was the spark I needed.

I realized something profound—I was the only one who had the power to change my story. It was time to stop wallowing in self-pity and start living with intention. No more waiting for things to magically improve. No more assuming that happiness was some distant future event. Happiness was something I could create, starting right now.

Cooking, traveling, and embracing adventure—these were the things that truly made me come alive. Every time I stepped into the kitchen, I felt a sense of purpose and excitement. The act of preparing a meal, of transforming raw ingredients into something delicious, was a source of immense joy. It became my therapy, my escape, and my passion. But it didn’t stop there. I’ve always dreamed of exploring new places, seeing the world beyond the limits of my comfort zone. And adventure? That’s where life truly happens—when you step into the unknown, embrace the unexpected, and take risks that leave you breathless.

So, I made the bold decision to surround my life with these passions. I stopped telling myself I couldn’t afford the time, the energy, or the money to pursue what I loved. I started to say yes to experiences. I began cooking my way through different cuisines, traveling to places I had always wanted to visit, and allowing myself to discover the beauty in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination.

It hasn’t been an easy ride. There have been days when the weight of depression tries to creep back in, when doubts and fears try to sabotage my progress. But now, I face them differently. Instead of surrendering to the darkness, I remind myself that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. I’ve learned to celebrate the highs and embrace the lows, knowing that they are part of the beautiful, imperfect adventure I’m living.

Today, I am no longer a victim of my circumstances. I am the creator of my life, and I choose joy. I choose to live with purpose. And yes, I still have my struggles, but they no longer define me. The life I’m building is one filled with laughter, creativity, exploration, and love—everything I once thought was out of reach.

If you're reading this and you feel like you're stuck in the same cycle, know that you are not alone. The power to change is within you. The moment you decide you’ve had enough of feeling stuck, you can start to take those small steps toward a life that fills you with excitement and fulfilment. It’s not going to be perfect, but it will be yours, and that’s more than enough.

So here’s to embracing the journey, chasing what sets your soul on fire, and living the life you were always meant to live. It’s time to start your own adventure.