It took me a long time to get to know myself. I’m pretty sure there’s still so much more to discover, but at this point in my life, I can confidently say that I know myself well. This journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been a winding road filled with challenges, wrong turns, and unexpected detours. A journey where I met the wrong people but also the right one. Each person I encountered, whether they stayed or left, taught me something about myself. They were mirrors reflecting both my strengths and my flaws, helping me to see the parts of myself I had long ignored or hidden away.

I had to change continents, uprooting my life and starting over in a place where everything was unfamiliar. I had to change careers, stepping into new roles that forced me to redefine my sense of purpose and worth. I faced many dark nights of the soul, moments when self-doubt was so overwhelming that I questioned everything—who I was, what I was doing, and where I was going.

But here I am. Me.

I look at myself now with so much compassion and understanding but also confidence and determination and I can finally say, “I love you” to the person I see in the mirror. This is a love that has been hard-earned. It’s a love that took years of inner work, of facing fears, and of embracing the parts of myself I once rejected. It’s a love that recognizes that I am a work in progress, always evolving and growing.

I realize now that getting to know myself is a lifelong journey. There will always be new layers to uncover, new depths to explore. But I’m no longer so afraid of what I might find. I’ve learned that I am strong enough to face whatever comes my way, and that I am deserving of love, especially from myself.

This journey of self-discovery is not easy, but it’s worth every step. And as I continue to learn and grow, I’ll keep reminding myself of the simple truth that has taken me so long to accept: I am worthy of love, just as I am.