Today, I’m putting pen to paper to free my mind about something I once thought I had a firm grasp on. You see, I’ve always had a deep caring for people, and never wanted them to leave, that might be rooted in the past wounds of abandonment. But today, I’m experiencing a shift. I’ve come to understand that the natural ebb and flow of people in our lives is just a part of the journey. I still hold each person in my life close to my heart, and I crave stability just like anyone else, but I’m learning to let go when it’s necessary. It’s not like flipping a switch; there’s still pain when someone I care about has to step back or walk away. But, I’m discovering that it’s the experiences they bring that I should cherish, not the individuals themselves.

Yesterday, my ex-boyfriend and current roommate treated me with blatant disrespect. He yelled, and the anger in his eyes was terrifying. This unleashed a storm of emotions within me, dredging up every past instance of disrespect I’ve faced. I tried to cope, but the anguish lingered for hours.

Surprisingly, even after the pain he inflicted, when he shared his own emotional turmoil over a woman he was involved with, I found myself trying to console him. This made me pause and reflect. I no longer wish to be the person who’s so incredibly caring that she endures mistreatment without question. His chapter in my life has drawn to a close, and I no longer need to carry it with me.

As you might remember, my best friend made a heart-wrenching choice to distance herself from our friendship. It cut deep, but I think I’m beginning to understand. It’s just the next chapter in her story. I’ve come to realize that ‘life doesn’t stop, why should we?’.