First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at tgam.ca/essayguide. Open this photo in gallery: Illustration by Nijah Smith Romanticizing your life is what social media is all about. It’s up to us – the main characters in our own posts – to project hope, gratitude and positivity in everything we display. Believe me when I say that when it came to romanticizing life, I was a modern day Casanova. There was no glitzy restaurant, overpriced latte or tourist destination that was off limits. I posed in front of the Eiffel Tower, threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and rode a camel around the pyramids of Egypt all while demonstrating that I was living my best life. Little did I know that my favourite personal mantra would soon become a dead weight just yearning to be shed.

The Journey to Radical Self-Love

This summer, I embarked on a journey that was not just about exploring new places but also about discovering myself. I set out with a single goal: to immerse myself in experiences that fostered radical self-love.

I remember sitting in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of my husband and my cat. I couldn’t help but feel a deep longing for them. I missed the comfort of their presence, the warmth of their companionship. The city, with its bustling streets and vibrant energy, seemed so distant and unfamiliar.

The Challenge of Articulating Travel Experiences

Traveling is an enriching experience that broadens our horizons and exposes us to new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. However, when it comes to sharing these experiences with others, many travelers find themselves at a loss for words.

Embracing Imperfection: The Power of Acceptance

Life is a series of ups and downs, and it’s perfectly normal to have days that don’t go as planned. However, the key to finding peace lies in accepting these imperfections and being honest about them.

Being the main character in your life is important, but so is telling the whole story. Alissa Mohammed lives in Toronto.