Walter was always protecting those who hurt him. He was always up beat and positive once he started talking about no one seemed to believe him.
Walter was a family man that grew up with tough love. It felt like he has to earn the love of his parents and family to be accepted. He wanted to be himself without compromising his growth. It was important to be an individual not just another face in the crowd.
He respected the normals, and values that he grew up with, but didn't agree with some. He picked and chose what he liked because some were restricting and limiting him.
Walt was tired of holding back putting his life on pause because something was missing. He decided to live and hope it would all fall into place.