Enjoying the Experience of Living
What life’s really all about.
Yes, personal growth can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming or all-or-nothing. I found a way to grow and enjoy life without overwhelm or an overly structured life.
And I’m challenging the old paradigm that says there’s a “right way” to do life and you’re supposed to follow it. There isn’t.
But I’m not here to tell you what’s best for you.
My mission is to inspire you to find your own way and live life on your terms. But first, how did I get here?
It wasn’t some sudden, overnight transformation. I was on a 13+ year journey, and it was a hell of a ride. A worthwhile ride. A ride I want to pay forward. Here’s the rundown…
My Story
2011 – 2013
The Rabbit Hole
In 2011, after a painful breakup, I began to question my behavior and the role I played in the pain, and it was eye-opening. Thus began my journey down a long self-discovery rabbit hole.
I started paying attention to even more things about myself. And I realized I may be struggling with mental health disorders. So, I did some research and began self-diagnosing myself. Sounds familiar? Lol.
In 2012, I decided to see a psychiatrist to get help. I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD, OCD, and Bipolar II Mood Disorder. I started taking medication.
I was also in active addiction using alcohol, marijuana, and unprescribed prescription opioids. But it wasn’t until November 2013, when I hit my rock bottom, that I decided to get help.
I knew something was stopping me from moving forward in life. And that something was drugs and alcohol.
So, on December 13th, at 27 years old, I checked myself into a rehab facility for 30 days. From there, I decided to go to a long-term transitional program so I could start rebuilding my life.
2014 – 2015
The Lone Wolf
So, there I was. Safe and sober, living in the best transitional program for women in Baltimore. I had an on-site therapist and everything I needed to start over.
But there was so much more to moving forward in life than being safe and sober.
I still had to deal with my mental health issues because medication could not change my behavior. I had to do the work.
All the while, I had locked myself in a cage from the inside and tossed the key. I stayed trapped inside my head, lived in tragic daydreams, and wore my lone wolf badge with honor.
The prison I created for myself was my comfort zone, and I was the warden…a tough one. I said no more than I said yes, I focused all my attention on “improving” myself, and I kept people at arm’s length.
Sounds lonely, yet?
In 2015, after two stays on a psychiatric unit, a few failed attempts to hold down a job, and not fully participating…
It was time for me to leave the program.
2016 – 2021
The Search for Purpose
In 2016, I gained stable employment and started searching for the one thing I’ve wondered since I was 13 years old…
My life’s purpose.
In 2017, I stopped taking medication. It was a bold move in retrospect, but it was never my intention to stay on it forever. It had served its purpose and had become more of an inconvenience than it helped.
For the next several years, I searched for the “best” remedies. I was doing everything I could to make healthy choices for my mental health. Because I thought I would be more productive and take action on one of my many career ideas.
Planners, more therapy, minute-by-minute morning routines, ayurvedic remedies. You name it, I’ve probably tried it.
Some of the most powerful things I practiced during these years were…
Leaving my comfort zone (repeatedly), setting boundaries, speaking my truth, and being present. And boy was it a bumpy, anxiety-drenched ride. But little did I know…
It was the lessons and insights I gained from all the trial and error that would show me the way.
2022 – 2025
The Big Shift
In 2022, I joined an 8-week copywriting coaching program. I had finally chosen a career path, and it was freelance copywriting. And that’s when it hit me…
There was so much more to moving forward in life than mental health issues.
There was imposter syndrome, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of being seen…the list goes on. Did I say fear?
In March of 2023, I read a book about the ego that helped me change my perspective, outlook, and attitude. That’s when all the practicing I did in the years prior really started shining through.
Things like less daydreaming, being grounded in reality, and staying in the moment. I hadn’t realized all the internal shifts I was making along the way.
But I still had more work to do. So, in 2024, I ended up on a chakra healing journey and experienced a major transformation.
Then came the big shift.
In October of 2025, I experienced a loss of identity, purpose, and attachment to outcomes. It felt like all the things I desired at the time were stripped away.
The only desires left were things from my childhood. Writing, drawing, and a deep desire to be free and have fun.
When I reflected on the idea of having fun, I felt my energy rise, and I started to feel excited. Excited to create, express myself, and most importantly…
Share my story.
And this time, I was ready to be seen.
Hi, My Name is Chadras…
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First things first…
How do I approach personal growth now?
The mindset shift that sparked fun, joy, and exploration
I know two things for sure.
Growth doesn’t have to be linear, and I can do what I want.
I can switch my focus when I feel called to or put a project on hold.
I can swap out HIIT for dance workouts because they bring me joy.
I can watch TV before being productive if I feel like it. My point is…
I shifted my mindset and freed myself from cookie-cutter advice I didn’t want to follow in the first place. More importantly, I stopped beating myself up, I took the pressure off, and I learned to celebrate my wins.
Because personal growth doesn’t have to look a certain way.
It just has to help you make progress. How you set boundaries, build habits, or get grounded is tailored specifically to you.
It’s growth that meets your needs, your standards, and your values. Growth that’s sustainable, fair, and flexible. Growth that’s based on fun, joy, and exploration.
Is there room for discipline? Absolutely.
But does discipline need to come with rigidity, pressure, or self-criticism? Hell no.
Life isn’t all about growth, goals, and getting things done
I’ve learned that moving through life with fluidity, vulnerability, and authenticity is the quickest way to a fulfilling life.
I pivot when I need to, I share with my tribe, and I focus on staying true to myself. Because I don’t want to just grow. I want to live out loud, explore, and follow my joy at the same time.
Because joy is the compass to my purpose, and that’s how this whole journey started in the first place. But it isn’t all about finding purpose anymore.
It’s about enjoying the experience of living. And for that to work…
I needed a mindset shift, sustainable, personalized growth, and to embrace the unknown. And that’s what helped me get here. So, here I am…
I’m sharing my lived experiences to inspire you to grow at a pace that feels authentic to you. Not me.
I’m building a liberated community that doesn’t follow societal norms or do what’s always been done.
I’m standing in my power, and I want to see you stand in yours.
Are you with me?
Blog Posts
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