The article reflects on the author's journey through self-realization in her mid-40s after years of prioritizing others over herself. Despite being praised for her nurturing nature and responsibility, she faced a turning point while driving alone post-argument with her husband. This moment catalyzed her decision to seek divorce, revealing a collective struggle among Gen X women who had suppressed their desires for sake of familial stability. The author critiques societal expectations that women wholly sacrifice for others and finds empowerment in acknowledging her own needs.
I championed self-sacrifice for its own sake. But a consolation once I abandoned that core value was to learn that other women my age were hitting the same wall.
I realized that the reward for being ultra-responsible isn't a gold star. Rather, it was even more responsibility.
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