I stopped doing these things to create healthier relationships with others (and myself):
Expecting people to read my mind. Instead, I started naming my needs and being clear about my boundaries.
Pretending to be strong and okay when I'm not. Instead, I started being honest and vulnerable about my feelings.
Being silent about the things that have hurt me. Instead, I started speaking up and having hard conversations with those around me.
Dishonoring my boundaries to \"keep the peace.\" Instead, I started advocating for myself.
Punishing myself for not healing fast enough. Instead, I started giving myself grace and being patient with my process.
Carrying emotional baggage that didn't belong to me. Instead, I started putting things down that I no longer wanted to carry.
Overextending myself to make everyone happy. Instead, I started saying no, I can't, or I don't want to do that.
Trying to get people to change, heal, and grow. Instead, I started meeting them where they were and accepting them for who they were.
Staying in relationships that have expired. Instead, I decided to part ways with love and compassion.
Refusing to let go because I was too scared of what could come next. Instead, I started releasing the things I knew were no longer healthy for my growth.
Avoiding conflict and hoping things would \"just get better.\" Instead, I started facing conflict head-on, even if it felt uncomfortable.
Excusing unhealthy behavior because \"I love them.\" Instead, I learned that I can love people and choose not to engage.