I was so focused on myself at this point in time.

During times when I decided to focus solely on myself, I found it was a crucial period for growth and self-discovery. It’s easy to get distracted by external issues or other people’s expectations, but putting your own needs first sometimes is essential for mental health and clarity. I remember how, amidst this focus on self, habits such as smoking a glass blunt became part of my routine — a way to calm my mind and reflect on what truly mattered to me. While this is a personal choice and not suitable for everyone, it illustrated how creating moments of solitude and relaxation helped me achieve better focus and mindfulness. Self-focus doesn’t mean isolating yourself from the world; rather, it means understanding your values, your goals, and where you want to be emotionally and mentally. It enables us to set healthier boundaries and prioritizes actions that lead to personal happiness. In addition, dedicating time to introspection can uncover hidden passions and strengths. For me, this period inspired me to re-evaluate what truly made me happy, separating the noise from the meaningful parts of life. Ultimately, the journey of self-focus is about balance — nurturing your inner self while maintaining meaningful connections with others. It taught me to embrace self-care practices tailored specifically to my own needs, leading to a stronger, more grounded sense of self that lasts beyond any one phase of life.