Have you ever reached the point where you understood the necessity of boundaries... where you realised you needed to embrace and enforce boundaries...because you had been walked on, or had your kindness abused...your rights and values were disrespected, even ignored.
This quote, among other memory triggers, brought me back to my 20s... when I was quieter, more tolerant, and less confident in enforcing boundaries.
My 30s began the rise of my empowerment! When I began to understand boundaries, and the importance of not caring if my boundaries negatively impacted others. Because, in the end, my healthy boundaries protected me, and those who didn't understand, or were offended, no longer had an unhealthy access to me. It felt like I'd locked a door, and they were upset because they did not have the key. I felt happier and more at peace, because I held, and guarded the key.
It has been in my 40s where I've felt the most confident in myself. I am able to say the one word sentence, "No". I have learned to discern when to keep doors to me closed, and when it is safe to let down my boundaries. I wish it had been an easier lesson to learn, but I'm grateful to be where I am today.
This year, I've had friends laugh at me, with pride, when I've stated, "I don't care!" When I genuinely did not care what others thought of me, or what I was doing in a public place. I am learning to let go. To be free. To just be me.
This quote is me. I have changed. I am proud I have changed. I was able to heal and grow, after setting boundaries. I am a better version of myself. The 30 year old me would be proud of who she is today. 🦋 ©️