The Perfectionist’s Burnout

Dear Delyara, I lived my life by the 'Grind' of being the perfect daughter. I went to the school my parents chose, I married the man they liked, and I lived in the neighborhood they approved of. The 'Shadow' was the growing realization that I didn't know what I liked to eat, what I liked to wear, or who I actually was. I was a puppet with golden strings. The 'Storm' hit when I turned 40 and realized I was living a life that belonged to everyone but me. I had to set a fire to my own reputation. I quit the high-paying job, I started therapy, and I learned to tell my mother 'No.' My Victoria is the small, messy life I have now. It’s not 'perfect' by their standards, but it’s real. The victory is finally owning my own breath.