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What was a moment in your life that was a turning point or a new chapter you can recall?
What is a moment in your life which signalled a positive change in your life? I think many people fear change because they fear the unknown of what is to come with it. However, I believe we should embrace change (mostly) as it promotes growth within us.
Comments
Realising I was gay.
I realised I was gay probably just over a year ago, I had only really figured out you could be gay a few years ago ( yes I'm young, I was also very sheltered growing up( a conservative family).
however realising I was gay made me also recognise that the political path I was going down was not sustainable and would end up me getting hurt in some way( not physical though). so while I haven't actively told my parents I'm not right-wing anymore, I stand strong with my beliefs and if it safe to do so I think everyone else should!
( also coming out to my aunt was one of the scarier interactions yet also the most rewarding, she's the biggest ally in my life and actually gets my gay humour hah!)
Hey @gay_disabled_human I just wanted to say how great it is that you've shared your story here. I'm sure that your experience resonates with other people on the forums and we really appreciate you opening up that space to share.
It must have been hard to come to terms with the fact you were gay when you grew up in a conservative family. I saw that you can't express to your parents that you've changed your political beliefs which I imagine would be difficult at times. I really admire that you knew that something needed to change, and that you have decided to stand strong in your beliefs now. It sounds like you really value being your authentic self and want to spread that message to others. And I'm glad that you've been able to foster a connection with your aunt through all of this- she sounds like a great person to have as an ally!
Thanks for the post @Silver_Salmon
It's always a good exercise to do some self-reflection. And yes! Change is a scary thing at times, but it can definitely help you grow.
For me, when I was younger, I was so set on being a musician! I play the cello and I'd taken it really seriously all the way until about year 10. I took lessons from some great professional cellists, my mum would drive me to Canberra once a fortnight just for me to get a lesson from someone. They'd helped me buy a really good (and expensive) instrument.
I was so scared. It got to year 11, and I had lost my passion to become a musician. I still loved to play as a hobby, but I couldn't see myself working in that profession anymore. I was worried my parents might think I wasted their time or energy or money. I was scared because at that stage, I didn't have a backup plan for what I wanted to do in my future. But look where it's landed me! I now have a strong passion for mental health, I love what I learn, and it's brought me to this lovely community here on ReachOut. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I'm proud of my younger self for taking that leap of faith.
Hey @ayrc_1904 Thank you for sharing, that is such a lovely story about trusting ourself and following our true passions. Great to hear it's all worked out for the best. Change can definitely be scary and being brave is hard sometimes but sharing our stories, give meaning and hope to others and that's such a special thing. Thank you 🥰
Hey @Silver_Salmon
This is such an interesting question. Thanks for thinking of it!
A major turning point for me was dropping out of school as my mental health had spiralled out of control. It was not an easy thing to do as my identity was mainly centred around me being a good student. However, it was the right choice but nevertheless intimidating. I did have to drastically change my perception of myself, but I think it was a change for the better. What about yourself?
Hey @Lapis_Anteater ,
That sounds like such an important moment where you made the decision to drop out of school for your own mental health. I acknowledge it was not an easy thing to do.
It shows so much maturity and growth in that you can reflect on the situation and know it was the absolute right thing to do at the time. It must have taken a lot to drastically change your perception of yourself. I read that it was to some extent, “intimidating”.
Can you think of what supports you had to help you face this new chapter in your life?
Hi @Chloe-RO ,
I think the thing that help the most was seeing that the people in my life didn’t think differently of me/think of me as less. I felt like I had sort of failed by not completing school, so I thought that’s how other would see it too, but I was wrong. They supported me as I looked for another way to get into university (something I really wanted) without an ATAR and celebrated when I eventually did.
Surprisingly, my psychiatrist at the time was unsupportive and actively discouraged me from dropping out. It was really hard to go against him as he felt like an authority, but because of the support of my teachers, school, family, and friends, I was able to. It really would have been impossible without them!
Good on you! Thanks for sharing! It's such an important point that despite there being 'other' voices to discourage you, you were able to go through with what you felt was right.