(Day 36/122 of the experiment)
The days fly by so quickly, and I can almost physically feel myself changing. For example, yesterday I wrote a post on my Instagram about my work with a psychologist. It was a bit scary, of course, but I managed it and received a lot of positive comments! It turned out that some of my followers also go to a psychologist and are working through their traumas and issues.
Text #13. My Name
I think it’s no secret that my family is known for its unusual names. And while my grandmother's name, Paraska – a traditional Ukrainian name with Greek roots – is rare but does appear occasionally, there are no girls named Sofi and Cinderella with the last name Bell left in Ukraine.
As a child, I didn’t realize that my name was unusual. Until I went to kindergarten. In my group, there were two Oles, one Kateryna, two Olens, and three Mariik. But there was only one Cinderella. And all my classmates (from the word “kasha” – they served it from one large pot) would poke me with their fingers and shout “Papiyuska-Papiyuska.” I even remember the day when I couldn't take it anymore and asked Grandma why everyone reacted that way. And then she told me that my name was very rare and unique.
In university, I was also a curiosity for both the students and the professors. I can’t say that I was tormented by mockery, but the joke about the prince and the glass slipper was something I heard regularly.
On the one hand, I even like my name because it is rare and indeed unique. But on the other hand, it feels so childish. And I’m not getting any younger. It’s hard to imagine a grandmother named Cinderella.
But now I’m thinking, I don’t want to change my name! It has become sort of a personal brand – and on Instagram, I’m simply signed as “popeliushka.”
I don’t know what the point of this letter is, but this is the end of the story.
(Day 37/122 of the experiment)
We figured out the name yesterday. I used to dislike it a lot because I didn’t like myself as a person. I considered myself imperfect, bad, aimless, and therefore everything related to me I rejected and didn’t accept in any way.
But Grandma Cinderella sounds kind of cool – why shouldn’t people believe that a fairy tale can be real? All that’s left is to wait for my glass slippers and find the prince.
Text No. 14. The Fear of Meeting People
Svetlana, you know, every letter is getting harder and harder to write because the topics are slowly becoming irrelevant to me. Regarding the fear of meeting people. I used to be unable to approach someone (for example, my colleagues from stretching) and say “Hi! You have a beautiful shape, can you tell me where you bought it?” – I was afraid people would consider me rude and silly. Now – thanks to you, the psychological exercises I do, and Instagram – I’ve started to take the opinions of others about me very calmly. Of course, I won’t invade personal boundaries and pry into someone’s soul, but I can easily exchange a few phrases and give compliments.
I think that my self-expression on social media plays a significant role in my life. I used to consider myself uninteresting and didn’t blog because I was convinced that no one would read it. Now – when I receive messages every day from women saying they follow my example and are literally starting life from a clean slate, I realize that I’m doing everything right.
By the way, three days ago I was offered my first money for advertising in my blog! Oh, that’s off topic.
The end of the story.
(Day 38/122 of the experiment)
It feels so great to be free and confident! Not to worry about what the neighbors will say about your outfit – green boots and red pants – not to be afraid to walk down the street and simply smile at the realization of your happiness.
I celebrated today's intense workout at the gym with a huge piece of cake in the company of Lili. It turns out that Tristan has no free time at all – he studies all day and then works on his project. And on weekends, he goes to Italian restaurants to gain experience and, after returning to the big city, to implement something new at CANTUCCINI.
The fact that Tristan has no time for a personal life actually pleased me a little bit. Although, who am I kidding? It pleased me a lot!
Text No. 15. I am uninteresting to other people.
There is a mistake in the headline. I AM INTERESTING to other people.
Before my transformation, I was uninteresting to myself – that was the biggest problem. I lived like a houseplant. I ate, slept, and earned money just to get by.
Now, when there is so much information in my life, people who inspire me and fill me up, I feel like I AM LIVING!
This is definitely not the end of the story, but only its beginning!!!
(Day 39/122 of the experiment)
Yesterday we began summarizing our collaboration with Svieta. Of course, we accomplished what usually takes several months of work. But in order to fit into the timelines of my experiment, Susan conducted an express course.
Text No. 16. The Life of My Dreams
My name is Cinderella, and I am the only Cinderella Bell in all of Ukraine. Soon I will turn 28 years old, and I am a happy person!
I have a beloved boyfriend with whom we travel, discover new worlds, talk a lot, and go dancing. I also have a cat named Richard - my little tiger.
I work for myself – inspiring people to achieve new accomplishments. Once, I decided to change my life, took a risk, and did not regret it! After all, in my "past" life, I worked as a sales manager, and my only interests were pizza and alcohol.
I have two true friends – Liliya and Susan – and many acquaintances. I am involved in sports – I go to the gym and do stretching.
I am a happy woman who plans to become a mother soon.
This is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a long and interesting journey called "Life."
This is my last letter as part of the psychological counseling with Susan. A letter about my future. The only thing I haven't mentioned is the city I live in. Because lately, I keep thinking more and more about how my experiment and life in the big city should not come to an end...