I’m learning to stop grieving my old self

There was a version of me who used to laugh easily, dream big, and feel calm in his own skin. Sometimes I miss him so much it physically hurts.

After years of depression and anxiety, I’ve started to feel a little better, but the grief for who I was still lingers. It’s strange, mourning a version of yourself that only exists in memory.

I’m trying to learn how to honor that person without letting him define me. Maybe healing isn’t about getting back to who we were, but becoming someone new, slowly, gently.

Do you ever feel haunted by the person you used to be?