Grieving the me that doesn't exist anymore

This is a hard pill to swallow but, as we age, we realize the fact that we have changed, we are less happy, less contented, less expressive, we are different, we have different priorities, shifted perspective on everything in life, different ways to deal with challenging situations.

It is such a real and tender kind of grief. Letting go of who I used to be, my habits, dreams, the way I saw the world, it can feel like mourning someone I knew so intimately and I forgot that Me existed.

My old self wouldn't mind if I just got my shoe wet while running through a puddle by accident, my new self would blame myself for being careless.

My old self wouldn't mind sitting on the bed with outside clothes, my new self would feel frustrated when someone sits on my bed with outside clothes.

My old self truly celebrated my fruits of labor be it at work or in school, my new self wouldn't even give myself a pat on the back to say 'you've done well.'

I miss my old self and I know it's okay to miss her. It's okay to feel like I am drifting sometimes. Growth is full of goodbyes, even to parts of myself I loved or relied on.

It sometimes feel like a lot to hold inside. It can feel like standing in a fog where even your own reflection looks unfamiliar. And when you're not happy with life on top of that, it’s like joy doesn’t have room to exist.

Suppressing feelings can sometimes feel like the only way to “function,” but over time it builds up like pressure in a bottle and it feels like my heart’s carrying way more than it was ever meant to hold alone.

This is a new journey for me as i navigate the new me with some bits of the old me. It is time to let go of judgement, there is no shame in feeling lost or overwhelmed. I've learned that healing is not linear and it is not about 'getting over' something. I don't have to walk through this alone, I have the best support I could ever ask for and I will allow someone to walk this journey with me.

If you're feeling this grief too, do know that this too shall pass and you'll have it all figured out.

✨Check out my small biz @thepatchthings 🩶

#RealTalk #griefsupport #WhyILemon8 #mentalhealthawareness #lifeadvice

2025/4/11 Edited to

... Read moreThe notion of grieving one's former self resonates deeply with many. It's not just about loss; it's about transformation. As we grow older, we face feelings of nostalgia for the carefree days of our past and acknowledge that change is inevitable. This emotional journey can sometimes seem overwhelming, as we grapple with guilt or frustration towards our evolving personas. Finding a support system is crucial during this time. Especially with the challenges of mental health awareness becoming a priority in our society, it’s vital to recognize that feeling lost is part of healing. Engaging in discussions around grief support can foster connections and understanding. Remember, you are not alone in this process; many have walked a similar path and emerged stronger and wiser. Embrace the journey, and allow yourself to evolve while cherishing the memories of who you once were. If you're searching for guidance, consider exploring resources on life advice that align with your experiences. This can help you find comfort in knowing that personal growth, albeit painful at times, is a natural part of life.

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⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

I had dug up a bunch of old SD cards the other day and scrolled through heaps of photos. It suddenly dawned on me that I had lost my innocence, childishness, spontaneity and the ability to smile genuinely like I had done in those old photos. I felt like I lost my happiness to a thing called life. This is even more apparent now that I’ve become a new mum - I am weary and stretched thin. What an apt time to have a stumbled upon your post and to know I’m not alone. So I just wanted to drop a little note to wish you strength to go through whatever you’re feeling/dealing with 🩷

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Practicing daily gratitude slowly reminds us of the joy we’ve always had, even in downtimes. Jiayou sister ❤️

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