Lesson Learned

What’s one thing you know now that would have saved your younger self a lot of pain?

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  One thing I know now that would’ve saved my younger self a lot of pain is this: you don’t have to earn the right to be treated well. I spent years believing I had to over‑explain, over‑give, or over‑tolerate to keep the peace. Learning that my needs weren’t “too much,” and that boundaries aren’t punishments but protection, would have changed everything. I understand now that choosing myself isn’t selfish — it’s survival, and it’s the foundation for every healthy connection I build moving forward.  

 At times I still go back to my old ways, and I have to remind myself that it is okay to put me first instead of others. If they don’t agree that it is not on me, it is on them.