Using Free Will

After finally spending time on myself I had a light bulb moment. I have free will and I am worthy. I have lived a comfortable, boring life. First being decided by my father and then by my husband. If I had been asked I would have said that I exercised free will throughout my life but in reality I have lived a life of someone else’s choosing, I was just along for the ride. I am 53 and defined by my cancer and its side effects within my family. I am startled by how I have denied my soul and don’t know how to take the first steps. I have been meditating and praying. How do I use my free will (which will take me down a different road) and feel my new found self worth, without seriously hurting those I love? I am in such turmoil and feel that because my time on earth is limited I need to act now. Thank you.