I want to hear similar stories of healing through deep introspection

Lately, I’ve noticed a huge shift in my mental health that still feels almost surreal. I’ve moved from over a decade of chronic depression, hopelessness and suicidality into finding meaning where i feel genuine purpose, self-awareness, and even happy in ways I haven’t experienced ever before. Writing was the source of this healing that i initiated. I’m more open, relaxed, and able to express myself freely without shame. I’m laughing more, sharing more, and even surprising my therapist with how I was suddenly able connect with them with such positive engagement. Writing my autobiography and reflecting on my life has been incredibly healing. It’s helped me process past pain, recognize patterns, and build self-worth without needing validation . I feel proud of surviving hardships I once thought would define me forever. I’m also noticing that I don’t fear failure the way I used to, because I’ve already experienced what I feared losing most and survived. Through this suffering, i was able to detach my identity to anything external. What’s very new to me is that I feel fully present being myself that does not conform to societys expectations. I’m learning to establish my boundaries, honor my experiences, and recognize my gift for writing without shame and self criticism. I also ended an unhealthy long term codependent relationship that i did not see a future with. This new sense of solid inner contentment is very unfamiliar but amazing. What im working on in therapy now is defining what success is to me and establishing a long term plan at working towards that