The Christmas That Helped Me See My Worth Clearly

The holidays often bring images of warmth, kindness, and connection. Most years, that’s what I hoped for, too. But one Christmas, instead of celebration, I received a moment of clarity that changed the direction of my life.

For months leading up to the holiday, I worked long days and extra shifts at the salon. I was still early in my career, and every dollar mattered.

Even so, I tucked money away bit by bit because I wanted to give my fiancé, Ben, something he had talked about for years.

He loved games, and the PlayStation 5 had been his dream purchase. I imagined the smile he would have on Christmas morning, the excitement in his eyes. That picture kept me going through the busiest season.

Or at least, I thought it did.

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