By Jhoanna B. de Guzman PROVERBS 31 WOMAN “Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (AMP) As I look back on my journey through my 20s, I realize that one of the hardest lessons I had to learn is that I am not the main character in everyone else’s story. I am the main character of my own life, and it took me a while to grasp this profound truth. In my younger years, I often found myself naive and self-centered, caught up in the belief that my worth depended on how others saw me. I was constantly chasing validation, bending over backward to fit into the narratives of those around me. It felt like I was under constant scrutiny, as if everyone was judging my every move. The irony is most people were too busy with their own lives to notice mine at all. One of the greatest gifts of growing older is learning to let go of these thoughts. With age comes wisdom, and I’ve discovered the beauty in being kinder—not just to others, but to myself. I no longer feel the need to fit into someone else’s world; instead, I focus on crafting my own narrative. I aspire to be a loving, compassionate, and generous person, someone who uplifts others while living authentically. In our youth, it’s all too easy to become wrapped up in a self-centered worldview, believing that the universe revolves around us. If I could speak to my younger self, I would gently advise her to stop seeking the approval of others. I would remind her...... Read more on Full Issue!