Why am I here? For the full-circle moment.

My background is interesting, what I like to call a "full circle" moment, but I'm really here because:

1. I love to write...and I've missed writing.

2. I love connecting with other people.

3. Most importantly, I need to truly connect with myself.

For as long as I can remember, I never dedicated time to building a relationship with myself. I always thought that I was SO in tune with who I was, and I never doubted my capabilities. I still don't. But I've learned there's a huge difference between being confident in yourself and having a relationship with yourself. Since high school, I did what I wanted to do because I knew I could do anything I set my mind to. I was confident in my success, whether that was in my academics, social life, romantic life, or personal life...I was hitting goals like no one else's business. I was thriving, and no one could've told me otherwise.

Now, here I am. A 29-year-old, educated woman realizing that I am absolutely confident in myself but without a healthy relationship with myself. And that's okay...for now...because I'm working on it.

There was a long stretch of time in my life when I dedicated myself to everyone except myself. Don't get me wrong: I absolutely took pride in being the best friend/girlfriend/daughter/granddaughter/teacher/etc. I recognize that my selflessness is one of my strengths that I'm (again) confident in; however, it never dawned on me that I needed a relationship with myself until...maybe last month? I wish I was kidding.

And I only had this realization because I've been doing a lot of unpacking...like a LOT of mental and emotional unpacking through new relationships, steps in vulnerability, and (you guessed it!) therapy appointments. I've learned so much that I wish I had known earlier...The tools that I've gathered and started applying have been life-altering; and along the way, I've started reconnecting with certain passions that I have.

So that's why I'm here: this "full circle moment". I showed my world that I could dominate in my twenties. But the reality is that I have to start over from the beginning because I have the weakest foundation for my own stability. I'm here to connect with myself and my passions while I unpack the baggage that I've metaphorically stuffed in the jam-packed closet that is my mind. And if I can connect with anyone along the way, then the journey is even better because I know there are so many people out there who can relate. I know there are people who have been through the same stories that I plan to share, and I know there are people who would benefit from the lessons I've learned. If not, you'll hopefully get a brief laugh, mild inspiration, a good read to put you to sleep, a connection to similar experiences, or insight into my life.

Regardless, here's to the start of new relationships, especially the ones with ourselves and for our souls.