It made a difference…

This came up in my memories today.

Reading it now, I realise how much more aware I’ve become of the importance of boundaries. Back then, I could clearly see the behaviour of other people, but I still absorbed the discomfort so I could continue having relationships with them. I kept trying to manage myself around behaviours that were harming me.

What I understand now is that constantly tolerating things that go against your peace eventually creates conflict within yourself. You start abandoning your own instincts just to keep the connection intact.

These days I feel far less guilty about walking away from behaviour that consistently hurts me. And yes, sometimes that means walking away from the people too.

Not because I hate them, or because I think I’m perfect. But because I finally understand that constantly abandoning myself for the comfort of others was never going to bring me peace.