Over the past three months, I’ve gone through a personal growth experience that has changed me more than I expected. And that’s also why I’ve been away from writing for a while.
It was kind of hard to find the right words and the time to write something that I am proud of. Kind of drained from all the activities I’ve been part of.
But, as always, before diving deeper into this recap, the song I have on repeat for some days already is:
Over the past three months, I have undergone a process of change. I’ve felt that I’m back in university, experiencing the dorm life for the first time. Shared everything from the room to the cutlery. And the time.
I cried.
I laughed
I got mad
I felt disappointed
And… at the same time… so proud.
If I had only one word to describe these past three months… I’d choose: eye-opening. Even if technically it’s two words. 😀 Especially eye-opening when it comes to my own capabilities and insecurities.
I’ve learned that I am much more than where I am coming from. More than my job. More than my past experience. And that I am no less than other people. Even those who may have studied or worked in “better places”. Each of us brings their own story. And I know I have mine. Which is equally exceptional and impressive. But it was a bit difficult for me to come to this conclusion.
I needed to reach an insecurity bottom so I can rise from there. For a while, I felt I needed to justify myself. To explain myself. To prove myself. I chose to be humble and selfless up to a point where I actually disappointed myself.
Still, I think this was part of this personal growth experience. Part of discovering that there’s another version of Timeea who needs care and protection.
At the same time, I’ve also met people who held my hand tight and supported me when the path felt rough. Who wrapped their arms around me and helped me stand on my feet. Who listened to me and supported my versions.
Do I recommend such an experience?
Yes! For sure!
Did I like it completely?
No, hell no!
But I would repeat it sometimes.
The classes are interesting, yes… But… looking back, I don’t think this experience was about the classes. In my opinion… it was more about building our resilience.
Knowing our limits and strengthening our values.
Learning to share and experiencing the common life, where we share everything. There were moments with no comfort. And many more moments where I couldn’t pretend.
I couldn’t be someone else.
I couldn’t think differently just to fit in.
It definitely changed me. I feel I am much stronger.
More grounded.
More honesty with myself.
I can stand my ground more firmly than before.
Because I am no less.
And my opinion — whether long, short, uncomfortable, or irritating — is no less important than anyone else’s.