We can keep choosing ourselves, even when it feels hard

sometimes, when we start to set boundaries,

we are met with discomfort, resistance,

an offering of guilt,

even by those who have once celebrated our new voice,

and the boundaries we set, with others.

it can make us question ourselves,

want to withdraw,

or want to reconnect with those people pleasing parts,

that previously kept us safe.

or at least we perceived they did.

these parts that encouraged us to play small,

to compromise our authenticity,

to keep us palatable in our attachments,

even those that weren't safe.

though our boundaries are about honouring ourselves,

not controlling how others respond.

they are about protecting our peace,

even when others choose not to,

even when others struggle to adjust,

they help us define where we end, and where others begin,

and remind us, over and over,

that we are worthy of kindness, safety, and respect.

that we can keep choosing ourselves,

even when it feels hard.

especially when it feels hard.

and they invite others to understand the same.