Daily Prompt: What Shaped You The Most

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

Honestly, hardship and pain.

All of it.

It was awful. I don’t ever want to go back or repeat any of the first half of my life…

But it was poverty, years of hunger, betrayals, heartbreak, decades of depression, and escaping a world of violence that I grew the most.

If a ton of awful things hadn’t made up decades of my life, I would not have the kindness, compassion, empathy, or problem solving skills I do.

I wouldn’t have any of the personality traits I do.

I’d be softer, more content, have less depth of feeling. I wouldn’t be able to relate to so many people I’ve met across the globe and all walks of life.

I never would’ve learned to fight for what mattered, use my voice as a powerful weapon, or reached for things others insisted were impossible.

Can’t even fathom what I’d be like without my background.

I don’t think I’d like her.

(Then again, I don’t really like my younger self who was stuck in a reactionary loop either when I look back through memories.)

I had to fight for who I became. Hard.

It was horrible. It was painful.

I wouldn’t trade that path for the world. But I wouldn’t volunteer to do it again. I hope the second half of my life is kinder, full of more joy and love and personal achievements.

5 responses to “Daily Prompt: What Shaped You The Most”

  1. I’m glad you’re in a better place now 😎

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks! It was a long road but worth it!

      Like

  2. I’m so glad you’re in a better place, and able to share this. You are stronger than you know. Sometimes we have to go through, to get where we should be.

    Thank you for sharing. Blessings & Peace. 🙏🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you! Absolutely! I definitely appreciate it more with age. I also think I feel more gratitude for the life I have now than I would if I had never had to go through the path I did. It made all the difference.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure.
        That’s good to hear. 🙂 Take care.

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Cancel reply