Protecting My Peace

For a very long time, I did not know how to protect my peace. I thought being strong meant pushing through discomfort, saying quiet, and putting everyone else first. I told myself that if I just held on a little longer, things would get better. Instead, I became tired in all aspects, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Protecting my peace started when I finally admitted I was overwhelmed. When I stopped pretending that I was okay and allowed myself to take a step back. For me that meant setting boundaries and choosing distance even when it hurt. I felt guilty at first, like I was letting people down. But I was also finally showing up for myself.

I have learned that not everyone deserves access to me, and that actually pained me to realize that. Some connections changed when I stopped over giving. Some people did not understand the version of me that chose rest over chaos. Letting go has been hard, but holding on is harder.

Protecting my peace does not mean I do not care. It means I care enough about myself to choose calm, honesty, and healing. Some days are better than others. But every time I choose myself, I feel a little lighter and that is how I know I am on the right path.