One message. One conversation. One passive-aggressive sigh.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes to ruin your entire day—before it’s even started.
We think if we can shield ourselves from difficult colleagues, the outside world, and random trolls on the internet, we’ll find peace.
Or at least, we’ll survive the day without emotional damage.
But sometimes, we forget the power that our own people have over us.
Family, friends, partners—the ones closest to us—can light a spark that turns into a wildfire we can’t put out.
When the People You Love Get to You
On “one of those days,” everything gets under my skin.
The traffic noise I usually tune out suddenly feels unbearable.
The notifications that used to excite me now feel like an invasion.
The workload that normally fuels me makes me want to disappear.
It’s not them. It’s not the world. It’s the fact that I let someone get to me.
I let them in. I let them affect my energy.
Maybe it was my parents. Maybe they made me feel like I haven’t done enough, that I’m not a good child, that I’m not meeting their expectations. It doesn’t matter that I’m solving problems in the background—because for them, showing I care means sitting with them in their problems, not fixing them. And that annoys me, because I don’t want to be someone who just cribs about life. That’s not how I express love.
Maybe it was a friend. Maybe they demanded my time and didn’t hear back from me. I could reply, but I don’t, because I know it’ll turn into them questioning my reasons while justifying theirs.
Maybe it was my partner, who usually feels like home. Maybe they struggled to reach me—and we kept passing the baton of frustration back and forth.
This is the day my support system failed me.
Not just failed me—they got to me in ways I can’t ignore.
I hate the power they have over me.
I hate that I’ve given them that power.
They’re supposed to protect me. To make me feel safe. To be my calm in the storm.
But it’s not that simple.
Because they’re just as human, just as flawed, just as messy as the rest of the world.
The Spiral: What’s Wrong With Me?
When this happens, my brain loves to go into attack mode.
What is wrong with me?
Am I a bad person?
What have I done again?
That guilt, that sinking feeling in my chest, makes me question everything.
Did I say something wrong?
Am I being selfish?
Should I have handled that differently?
But here’s the thing—self-blame doesn’t solve anything. It just feeds the cycle. And I refuse to be stuck in a loop where my peace is an afterthought.
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Self-Compassion: The Kindness We Owe Ourselves
I wouldn’t talk to a friend the way I talk to myself when I’m struggling. I wouldn’t tell them, “You’re the problem. You’re not good enough. You should be doing more.”
So why do I tell myself that?
I’m learning that self-compassion isn’t just about being kind to myself—it’s about allowing myself to be human.
Some days, I won’t have the energy to show up for everyone.
Some days, I won’t be the perfect child, the ideal friend, the flawless partner.
And that’s okay.
Taking care of myself isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
If I don’t protect my mind, who will? If I don’t allow myself to take a step back, who will give me permission?
I have to be on my own team. Because the moment I start prioritizing everyone else’s comfort over my own sanity, I lose myself. And I refuse to let that happen.
“Nothing can disturb your peace of mind unless you allow it to.”
― Roy T. Bennett
What about the Guilt?
Guilt is tricky. It sneaks in when we say no. It makes us feel selfish when we put ourselves first.
But I remind myself: I cannot pour from an empty cup.
Looking out for yourself doesn’t make you a bad person. Choosing to step away from negativity doesn’t mean you don’t care.
Setting boundaries protection not rejection.
Ignoring my needs to meet someone else’s expectations isn’t noble—it’s harmful.
Staying in a draining conversation just to “keep the peace” isn’t peace—it’s self-betrayal.
Showing up for people while neglecting myself isn’t kindness—it’s exhaustion.
I choose me. I choose my peace. I choose to not carry guilt for prioritizing my own well-being.
So What Now?
Am I really on my own?
On these days… maybe.
And that’s okay.
Because I’ve learned that I have to protect my mind more than I protect my money. I have to lock a few doors and put myself first.
What helps? PROTECT:
Prioritize yourself – Take guilt-free breaks, say no, and set boundaries.
Reflect – Identify what triggered you and how you feel about it.
Organize your thoughts – Journal, meditate, or talk to a trusted person.
Time for self-care – A warm shower, a good meal, or restful sleep.
Engage in movement – A walk, gym session, or just stretching helps reset.
Change the environment – Step away from toxic energy, go outside, or play music.
Talk to yourself kindly – Practice self-compassion and remind yourself of your worth.
You live inside your mind.
And no one deserves to live in a chaotic, loud, and sad place.
Reflect & Rewrite
Now, I’d love to know from you:
Take a moment to reflect and write this down in your journal (or comment below or email me privately):
Who holds the most power over your emotions, and why?
What is one boundary you can set to protect your peace?
When was the last time you prioritized your mental health over someone’s expectations?
Write back with your thoughts because I truly want to hear what you think!✨
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