The Day I Chose Self-Respect Over Sacrifice: A Mother’s Story of Rediscovering Her Worth

That night, I traveled to Laguna with the help of an old friend who found me a small place to rent. It wasn’t much — barely fifteen square meters — but it had a little window, some flowers outside, and the most important thing of all: peace.

For the first time in decades, I woke up with no one to cook for, no chores demanded, no harsh comments about being in the way. I made coffee, listened to birds, and felt something I hadn’t felt in years — freedom.

Each morning, I walked to the market. I chatted with vendors, watched dramas on my phone, and joined a group of grandmothers doing Zumba in the plaza. At night, I read pocketbooks and watched old Nora Aunor movies.

I wasn’t angry. I simply wanted quiet. I wanted to learn how to live for myself.

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