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I feel like the endgame to "truest expression of myself." is parenthood. A parent raising a child can also experience similar feelings of starting over and getting closer to their truest expression of themselves. Becoming a parent often involves a significant shift in identity and priorities. It requires adapting to new responsibilities, roles, and challenges, which can be akin to starting over in many ways.

Here are a few reasons why a parent might experience these feelings:

Self-Rediscovery: Raising a child can bring forth new aspects of one's identity and personality. It offers an opportunity for parents to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and aspirations as they navigate the journey of parenthood. They may discover hidden strengths, develop new skills, and gain insights about themselves through the process.

Personal Growth: Parenting is a transformative experience that challenges individuals to grow and evolve. It involves acquiring new knowledge, learning effective parenting strategies, and adapting to the changing needs of the child. As parents embrace these changes, they can also experience personal growth, gaining resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence.

Clarity of Priorities: Raising a child often brings a heightened sense of purpose and a reevaluation of priorities. Parents may find themselves reassessing their values, goals, and aspirations in light of their responsibilities as caregivers. This process can lead to a clearer understanding of what truly matters to them and guide them towards a more authentic expression of themselves.

Learning from Mistakes: Like anyone starting over, parents may encounter challenges, make mistakes, and learn from them. Parenting is a continuous learning process, and each new day presents an opportunity to approach it with fresh perspectives and insights. Parents can grow and evolve through their experiences, continually refining their parenting approach and nurturing a deeper connection with their child.

While the experience of starting over as a parent is different from other contexts, it shares common elements of self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of authenticity. Parenthood provides a unique avenue for individuals to explore and express their truest selves while guiding and nurturing their child's growth and development. (asked ChatGPT).

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i never comment cause im a bit shy but im always so, so excited to read your essays, they really are some of my favorites

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your comment is much appreciated <3

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beautiful!

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Unsurprisingly beautiful essay. Thank you.

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This made me feel aware to an extent.

Thank you. 🤍

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beautiful, beautiful, beautiful — as always 🤍

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this was really fun to read, thank you

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This is an extremely beautiful letter, something to be preserved inside my memory so I can return to it whenever I need what you have written. Thank you for this letter! 🌸

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