This calendar year, I understood the importance of sacrifices. I have begun to make them even when it was hard for me. Doing things that can be different can be difficult and hard to understand sometimes. It can also be hard. This is especially true when you have been the focus of attention for your challenges for a very long time. You finally get to the point that you must start to mature and make the right sacrifices for others.

Granted it has not been easy for others to shift their narratives either. But I have always been on the receiving end. I have always received attention that I have been long used to. I also have to shift the narrative to handling my own more. It wasn’t easy at first and there were times that I was selfish about things more often than not. I was being verbally abusive to my mother generally when there was no need to. I realized that needed to change.

I had to learn as I was getting older that those around me were getting older too. I had to start maturing and be better about things outside of my control. This meant I had to let go of the selfish, childish, immature version of myself. I replaced it with a mature approach in situations where it was necessary. I began thinking that if I tried being mature, things would go more smoothly. I also believed that doing things right helps overall. I stopped causing distressed and abusive dialogue. I had to stop letting the world revolve around me. I needed to carry my own weight instead of being the center of attention, especially when it wasn’t needed.

I now see that I don’t want to fail on my personal mission. I need to do what is necessary to live as independent a life as possible. For the longest time, I wasn’t doing that. I wanted to change my approach. I wanted to start proving that I can live a truly independent life. I believe I can be successful because I know I have the power and maturity to do what is needed.

As I knew this, I realized I had to start letting go. The old ways of thinking about maturity were no longer applicable. I had to start doing what was right even if it was something that I did not want to do. I knew that solving so many problems required just doing it when it was more beneficial than not. This approach proved I was indeed mature. It proved to myself and others that I can truly live independently. I can be the person that I want to be.

Being mature can be hard. Sometimes, it can seem unfair and unpleasant in other ways. When you do what is right, you show those who care and love you that you are reliable. You can fulfill your intended roles. You can do this without any issues. In many cases, they are proud of you. They know that you will not fail in the tasks they have set for you.