In her book "Hunger," Roxane Gay reflects on her tumultuous twenties, describing that period as an extremely chaotic time in her life. She acknowledges that while her personal life was a significant mess, she has matured since then and now prioritizes her well-being. This growth has allowed her to recognize and avoid situations that previously led to emotional turmoil.

Gay admits that although she still experiences challenges, her understanding of herself and her circumstances has improved. She can identify the sources of her messiness, indicating a shift from unawareness to self-awareness, which is a vital part of her personal development.