Day 22: How Have You Changed Over the Past Few Years? Share Pictures

Before I became a responsible adult, I felt like time was on my side. I lived so carefree and saw life as a big playground full of opportunities and joy.  Now I feel pressured and rushed to focus on responsibilities and obtaining success instead.

There used to be such an innocence about me…before the heartbreak, lack of trust, worry and fear.  I was so trusting and hopeful in ways that I no longer am.

I used to fantasize & daydream to get as close as possible to the life I envisioned for myself – even if that meant making an entire virtual life lol.  I became a loner at some point.  Sometimes I would turn down real dates just so that I could go on my pretend ones (which were so much better, I might add).  I don’t daydream or fantasize anymore…I’ve just accepted reality for what it is.

After losing my innocent outlook on life, I became an angry person; especially when the fantasies and daydreams stopped.  I walked around for years just looking for opportunities to take my anger out on someone.  This wasn’t a “mood” – it was a state of being for me for a long period in my life. I’m no longer angry :)

Not that I ever DISLIKED cooking…but now I absolutely love it as it brings me so much peace.  I don’t even care that my food tastes bland :/

I used to be very comfortable in large groups…very social and outgoing.  I even threw little social gatherings from time to time.  Now I feel so much anxiety in social settings where I’m surrounded by too many people.

This picture was taken in 2009 before my car accident.  My clavicle was broken in the accident and since then, I find it really hard to wear clothes that show my  body in that area. Very insecure about the lump that it left me with.

This picture is from a private blog of mine that I no longer visit.  It represents a time when I used to be extremely private and afraid to open up and share with people.  I’m now at a place where disclosure not only only easy for me but is also instinctive.

Before becoming a cat owner, I knew very little about what it meant to care for or “consider” someone else in my decision making.  Now I know what it means to hold someone else’s life in your hands … to be a provider for someone other than myself. 

I used to be afraid to speak up about important issues that mattered to me because I didn’t want to stir up any conflict.  But now I am vocal and loud with my views and what I choose to fight for; taking an unapologetic stand against those issues because my voice is as important as anyone else’s.

I used to be so hesitant to treat myself.  Now I spoil myself every chance I get – and shamelessly!

I used to have a very misguided view of love; one that was self-destructive and dependent.  Now I have learned what love really means and have developed a healthy relationship with it.