For as long as I can remember, assertiveness has always been a constant battle in my life. Growing up with narcissistic parents who criticized almost everything I did did not give me the best start. Every attempt to express myself, every achievement, big or small, always met with a critical and disparaging response. If I got good grades, they weren't good enough. If I achieved a goal, I could have done better. This toxic environment undermined my confidence and made me feel that my opinions and feelings were not worth expressing.

The gym became a refuge, a place where I tried to find an identity away from the constant criticism at home. However, I also faced difficulties here. My lack of social skills, the result of many traumatic episodes in my childhood, made me feel like a fish out of water. I watched others interact with ease while I struggled to start a conversation, fearful of saying something wrong or appearing foolish.

Over time, the accumulation of these moments became unbearable. I started reading about assertiveness and attending therapy, it helped me understand that the problem wasn't me but the environment I had grown up in. I learned to identify and name my emotions, and most importantly, to validate my own feelings. Little by little, I began to practice assertiveness techniques. At first, it was an enormous challenge. Saying "no" to my parents without feeling a wave of guilt seemed impossible. However, with the support of my therapist, I began to set boundaries, even if they were small at first.

Despite the progress, I know that the path to complete assertiveness is long. There are still moments when I struggle with insecurity, especially in new situations or with very critical people. However, I now have tools and strategies that help me navigate these situations with more confidence.

In summary, my journey toward assertiveness has been long and full of ups and downs. I have overcome many of the initial difficulties and have grown a lot as a person. However, I continue to work on improving my social skills and maintaining healthy self-esteem. Each day is an opportunity to learn and improve, and although the road is not always easy, I am committed to moving forward and valuing my own voice.