I’m single and love it.

Turns out, the thing I wanted the most was what destroyed me."

“Counseling has helped me learn how to let things go and stress less.

A woman and a man are sitting in chairs in a cozy living room setting, engaged in a serious conversation

I’m naturally a ‘fight back’ kind of gal, but that always did more harm than good.

Anonymous

3.

“I used to focus all my energy on men and finding ‘the one.’

An elderly woman with tattoos smiles while sitting on a bench, wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless white top, and jeans, in a lush garden setting

Now, I have no patience or energy to put in all that work to attract the male gaze.

I’m single and love it.

Turns out, the thing I wanted the most was what destroyed me.”

A shirtless person applies sunscreen to their forearm on a sandy beach

“I wish I had a better sense of self-control.

‘Lady Reefer’ ruined my life.

I was obsessed with it for decades.

A senior man smiles while using outdoor gym equipment at a park

Finally, I gave it up for good about 10 years ago.

It was harder than quitting cigarettes.”

Cliff, 67

5.

A person with acne is looking at their reflection in a mirror with their hand covering part of their face. They appear to be in a bathroom

I’ve worked outside for most of my life and spent my 20s trying to hold a good tan.

I’m 45 now and look like an old pair of boots!”

acidiceggplant98

7.

Elderly man, smiling, paddles a kayak on calm water surrounded by lush greenery. He wears a short-sleeve shirt over a long-sleeve top and athletic pants

“Sobriety and learning how to PROPERLY weight train.

It was so much better than I expected.

“I finally asked to be evaluated for ADHD last week.

Person cooking pancakes on a stove with a mixing bowl and spoon nearby

I started medication three days ago, and HOLY CRAP it’s made a world of difference.

My brain is quiet; it’s a miracle.

I’m almost 36, and I’ve been struggling my whole life.”

A person lies down wearing a sheet mask and holding cucumber slices over their eyes, enjoying a relaxing self-care routine

sarah9488

9.

I did everything that brought me joy.

I live an easier life now that I don’t hold onto feelings!

Group fitness class participants, including smiling woman in gray shirt and glasses, engage in an energetic workout session in a gym studio

As human beings, I think we tend to conceptualize everything as a fault.

Aurora, 50,New York

11.

“I now give a shot to say YES to all the fun life offers!

Float in the creek on an overcast spring day when I’d rather wait for the sun?

Take an early walk on the beach to look for turtles even when I’d rather stay in bed?

Take up Mahjong even though I don’t know anybody else who plays?

“Advocate for yourself when it comes to healthcare!

thechaoswitch061

13.

“Waking up early!

“I always wished I took ballet.

It’s too expensive now, but I did take a belly dancing class years ago.

Now, I micro-run running for less than 30 seconds at least once a day alongside my walking.

I’m a sprinter girl, not a marathon girl, for sure.

I wish I’d started doing it sooner.”

Now, my skin is dry and flaky like an alligator’s.

“Getting more sleep.

I wish I had the power to do everything I wanted as a kid.

Now, I ignore all negative people and do my own thing.

I wish I’d practiced believing in myself more.

I would’ve done all the arts and went to art school.”