Catherine Denton

For almost 24 years, I’d known exactly who I was: a mom raising kids. Suddenly, I wasn’t sure who I was anymore.

I wasn’t just missing my son. I realized I’d built so much of my identity around being needed that I felt lost.

That’s when I started following little threads of curiosity—reading different books, trying creative hobbies, questioning old expectations, saying yes to things that felt like me.

Looking back, that wasn’t the end of my purpose. It was the beginning of becoming myself.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement on redefining themselves.

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Let’s just say it’s been a journey… 😉

Part of becoming more myself is playing with style. I’m not a huge makeup person, but I’ve always loved adding a little something to my eyes.

It makes me feel more myself.

Do you have something that makes you feel more yourself?

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I’d heard that sitting was the new smoking, but I had no idea it could affect cognition.

Since then, setting a stop watch on my phone each day is helping me stand up and move. Or at least be aware of how long I’m sitting for.

Such a mini movement but I want to care for myself and give my mind as long to operate well as she can go!

Had you ever heard this?

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As a recovering people pleaser, just speaking up and being myself is therapy. Social media gives me an avenue to do that. It also gives me a place to document progress.

It’s taken me a long time to be free enough to do it but I’m loving the process. If you’ve followed along for a bit, I’m curious what topics you enjoy hearing me talk about?

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Between this and saying I’m sorry when it isn’t needed, I’m still learning how to shed my good girl persona.

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The things I never even think about, like free refills, air conditioning, and an aisle of Cheese-its.

I’ve watched so many of these videos and because I keep watching them, the algorithm keeps feeding them to me.

It’s put me in a happy little bubble that I’d forgotten I could be possible. What’s a favorite thing you’ve seen someone discover?

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To imagine a life you might lead, without closing the door before you try, is such a powerful tool.

I never imagined myself being able to draw or paint until I saw that video. Now it pains me to think of anyone closing themselves off to it.

What things have you tried that you never imagined you might, or what things do you want to try?

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When you’re so caught up in watching everyone else’s faces to gauge if they’re pleased, you forget to check your own.

Learning to be honest about your own wants and desires becomes a pathway to rediscover who you are.

Answering people honestly is the first step toward living authentically and giving yourself the respect you deserve.

Those old stories started when you were too young to fully comprehend everything, when there were voices telling you untrue things.

We weren’t old enough to decipher them back then. But we are now.

The first step is noticing what stories are recurring in your mind. Notice why and ask if they’re actually true?

And as my therapist says, even if they’re true, are they helpful?

Questioning our stories has a way of unraveling the lies and unveiling the truth.