Chapter 1: The Power of Quitting

Why do we feel the need to vocalize our decisions before making them?

Recently, I made the choice to stop drinking alcohol. I decided to embark on this journey on my birthday, setting a goal to remain alcohol-free for a year, inspired by my son's recent success in sobriety. I am curious about how being without alcohol for an entire year would feel.

In addition, I have also reduced my work hours significantly. After 36 years in the same field, I now work just two days a week. There's a possibility that I might even leave the workforce entirely in the near future.

Furthermore, I am letting go of the self-criticism that comes from stepping on the scale each morning. Menopause has made weight loss challenging, and I am choosing to embrace my body as it is, without counting calories.

I have also decided to stop dyeing my hair. Since I was 13, I've hidden my natural highlights, but now I am ready to embrace my natural curls, length, and texture, no matter how they may look.

These are just a few of the significant changes I am making. Initially, I felt compelled to announce these decisions on social media, eager to share my journey of quitting and the reasons behind it. But then I paused and questioned myself: why do I feel the need to seek approval from 4,200 so-called "friends"? The stress of constantly refreshing my feed to see their reactions would only add anxiety and doubt to my choices.

Validation from others can be a toxic pursuit. What happened to the idea that "the answers lie within us"? Our sense of right and wrong should come from our own understanding.

Yet, why is it so alluring to share our quitting or starting journeys with the world?

I believe in celebrating our wins and supporting each other through tough times, but why do we turn to strangers for this validation?

I acknowledge that I am still a work in progress, and not sharing my recent decisions on social media was a significant step for me. I recognize that while I seek some external validation, I need to continue working on finding it within myself.

Section 1.1: The Journey of Self-Discovery

The path to self-discovery is often filled with challenges and triumphs.

Subsection 1.1.1: Redefining Success

Success looks different for everyone, and it's essential to define it for ourselves rather than letting others dictate it.

Chapter 2: Seeking Inner Validation

In this video, we explore how to reclaim your life by understanding that you don't need anyone's approval to make choices that are right for you.

This video discusses the importance of living life on your own terms, emphasizing that seeking validation from others can hinder personal growth.