I gave so much of myself to this marriage that I forgot who I was. In the beginning, it felt like love—like I was finally where I was meant to be, building a life with someone I thought I could always rely on. But somewhere along the way, I became so wrapped up in the expectations of being a good wife, a good partner, that I lost touch with the woman I used to be.

The dreams I once had seemed selfish, the passions I once pursued seemed less important. I stopped investing in myself because I believed my role was to give and give, to keep the peace and make sure everyone else was happy. I sacrificed my own needs, my voice, and my desires on the altar of this relationship, thinking that was what love required. But in doing so, I lost the essence of who I was.

It didn’t happen all at once. The gradual erosion of my confidence was subtle, creeping in over time. One day, I looked in the mirror and realized I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. I wasn’t the vibrant, confident person I once was. I was someone who had shrunk, who had buried her light under the weight of trying to please others.

But now, I’m on a journey to reclaim that light. I’ve realized that I’m worthy of more than being the silent supporter of someone else’s dreams. I’ve begun to rediscover my passions, the things that used to make me feel alive. I’m taking time for myself—whether it’s traveling, picking up a long-forgotten hobby, or just learning to say “no” when something doesn’t serve me.

This journey is about more than just rebuilding my confidence; it’s about rediscovering my spark—the fire that makes me feel powerful and free. I’m learning to prioritize myself again, to give myself permission to shine without guilt or hesitation. And as I do, I’m not just reclaiming who I was—I’m becoming the woman I was always meant to be.