Breaking Free

Daily writing prompt
Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

I had a happy childhood, but grew up overprotected. My parents did what they were supposed to, and raised me to the best of their abilities. In hindsight, they guided and guarded me a little bit too much. Although, I think every teenager feels micromanaged by their parents. Am I wrong?
The best decision I ever made for myself was, to break free from this sheltered environment and move to America with my ex-husband. When we divorced in 2001, I was on my own for the first time, which was scary and exciting equally. Suddenly I was responsible for my own life, knowing precious little about anything. There wasn’t anyone to take charge, make decisions, plan for the future. Uh-oh! It was up to me, the good, the bad – all of it. I learned to love my independence right quick, even though this newly found freedom came with lots of trials and errors. As I got myself established in America, and through amazing friendships, I truly started to get to know my “UN-micromanaged-self”. It may not have taken a different continent to become an individual, but it certainly didn’t hurt either. Moving back to Germany in 2014 feels like 10 steps backwards from how far I fought myself forward. Still, I learned what I am capable of, and I can always look back on that time in America with pride and joy.

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