I don't think people get to hear this enough, I certainly didn't. Most of us were taught to bend over backwards trying our best to please everyone. Don't get me wrong though, learning to accommodate people's shortcomings is a necessary life skill but as with most principles, there's a limit.

Compromise upon compromise, I accommodated behaviors I should have called out. Whispers of the bias indoctrinated into me held me bound to the belief that I should be satisfied with the bare minimum.

I wish someone had told me sooner, "Nae be selfish!" Be selfish with your peace of mind, your peace is an invaluable asset, protect it like you would your newborn. Build a hedge around it to safeguard it from people, situations or whatever it may be that dares to pose a threat to it.

If only I understood earlier, that putting myself first when setting boundaries wasn't me being self-absorbed, maybe some decisions would've been made and some would've never happened.

Now I write the phrases I needed to hear, hoping that it finds whoever needs it in the nick of time.Be selfish! Prioritize your peace and protect it. Set your boundaries, make them clear as well drawn lines in the sand, it will be tough but I assure you it will also be worth it.

~nae