Written in 2014. Still true.
At some point you have to stop negotiating with yourself.
You keep saying you will change things later.
When things calm down.
When work eases off.
When the next problem is dealt with.
That moment does not arrive.
So this is me, calling time on a few things.
I am done with trying to please everyone.
Done with explaining myself to people who are not listening.
Done with carrying guilt that is not mine.
This is not about becoming cold or careless.
It is about choosing where my energy goes.
For years I have said yes when I should have said no.
Stayed quiet when I should have spoken up.
Put my own needs at the back of the queue and acted surprised when I burned out.
That ends here.
I am allowed to set boundaries.
I am allowed to change my mind.
I am allowed to walk away from situations that drain more than they give.
Not everything deserves my time.
Not everyone deserves access.
This is not rebellion.
It is maintenance.
I still care deeply about the people and things that matter.
If anything, this sharpens that care.
It strips away the noise.
What I am no longer doing is performing versions of myself for the comfort of others.
If that disappoints some people, so be it.
I am choosing clarity over chaos.
Presence over obligation.
A quieter life over a louder one that does not fit.
Call it selfish if you like.
I call it necessary.