For Azeroth and For Me: How ‘World of Warcraft’ Helped Me Find Myself Over 20 Years

World of Warcraft (WoW) turned 20 this year, and while its expansions have seen peaks and valleys, it has been the one constant in my life through a tumultuous journey. From Azeroth’s sprawling landscapes to the comforting grind of raid nights, this game became more than entertainment; it became a lifeline—a sanctuary for an undiagnosed autistic woman navigating ADHD, abuse, and identity. Through the chaos of life, Azeroth offered a space where I didn’t have to mask or pretend. It was a world that allowed me to thrive, fail, and try again. And though I’ve since moved on to a healthy relationship and a new chapter in my life, I’m still playing my very first character in my new realm. Azeroth isn’t just a game—it’s home. These last 18 years have been an adventure. And, sorry to my Alliance players, but… FOR THE HORDE! The Beginning: A Portal to Escape I first stepped into Azeroth in early 2006 during The Burning Crusade. My initial reaction? Reluctance. My now-ex-husband introduced me to WoW, and as someone who had already poured years into Ragnarok Online (farming adorable headgear, no less), I wasn’t ready to start over. But once I crossed through the Dark Portal, everything changed. Azeroth wasn’t just a virtual world; it was a sanctuary. While the real world demanded masking and meeting impossible standards, WoW allowed me to let go. Who cared if I didn’t do the dishes when there were Fel Reavers to dodge in Hellfire Peninsula? The game’s vastness mirrored the freedom I c…