Oh yes, it is TOUGH to go against the grain. I tried for so long to be what others wanted me to be. And my body suffered for it, my soul shattered, but my will never died out.

A part of me always held on to what I truly believed in. I got on the famous train, wanting to get to Hollywood with everyone else in Theatre school, but when I learnt I would need to give up my creative freedom, I decided that I would find other ways of doing what I love. I can walk on other carpets that are better suited to my needs.

When I tried to be everything that a narcissist said I should be, I got sick and realised I was being manipulated. I stood my ground and chose what I wanted to be and sought for in a relationship and found just that.

I don't compromise anymore, unless it's a fair compromise that will bring value to me and my relationship. Because sometimes compromises are necessary.

Sometimes I still fall into the trap of devaluing myself, but I still stand my ground to what I believe and feel is best for me. People will criticise, and maybe I need to learn to ignore it because it brings me down sometimes, but even with all that, I still do, as we say in French "à ma tête". I choose what and when.

I tried working slave job for many many years in a row. And I burnt out. So now I work for myself. I don't think I can ever go back now. If I do, it will be udner very specific circumstances and I will make my stance very clear to whomever employs me.

"I am not a slave." is a quote from Dragon Age 2, a character named Fenris speaks it. Even if I live in a society of enslavement, where many don't realise we are slaves to the system, there is still a certain level of freedom if you know how to access it. I am accessing it. I am not a slave.