In a world that often feels like it's spinning faster by the day, the year 2024 has brought me to a pivotal realization: the paramount importance of choosing myself. This journey of self-prioritization hasn't been about isolation or neglecting my loved ones. Instead, it has been a transformative process of redefining what family means to me, particularly narrowing it down to the people within my household. This shift towards inward focus has not only been liberating but also a necessary step toward my personal growth and the well-being of my immediate family.
The Burden of Collective Responsibility
In many communities, including mine, there's a deeply ingrained belief in collective burden. This cultural norm dictates that the few responsible individuals shoulder the worries and burdens of everyone else, often to their own detriment. While this can foster a sense of unity and support, it can also lead to an overwhelming sense of obligation and sacrifice. Over time, this became an unsustainable way of living for me, prompting a need for change.