I was always the type of person that grasped things too tightly. I always thought that it was worth it to hold onto the pain, rather than to just let go. Eventually I began to lose pieces of myself, but as soon as I let go of what I used to hold onto so dearly, something incredible happened: I began to breathe, I began to live, and goodbyes became harder to come by. I was in love; actually, I was Infatuated with it--not with someone or something. I was in love with my life, and, for the first time in a long time, everything inspired me. I learned that when someone tells you that you have changed, it simply means you have stopped living your life the way that they do. Do things for your own good and remember that independence doesn’t mean that you are alone or lonely; it just means that you don’t need someone else's approval.

It’s important to understand that “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t need to justify or explain it. Often times, people notice a change in your attitude, but they don’t notice that it was their behavior that made you change. The only reason that people take you for granted is because they assume you will always be there. Don’t be afraid to prove them wrong and stop doing things for someone when you find out it’s expected instead of appreciated.

Sometimes we expect more from others because we would be willing to do that much for them, and then we end up creating our own heartbreak through expectations. You teach people how to treat you. I've learned that a lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect. Steer yourself away from dysfunctional people who are experts on their own needs at the expense of yours. We oftentimes drown in problems, live lives that aren’t even ours, and become everyone else’s anchor. Know your limits and respect yourself enough to walk away from things that no longer serve a healthy purpose in your life. I saw a poster in a classroom one time that read, “If you allow people to make more withdrawals than deposits in your life, you will be out of balance and in the negative. Know when to close the account. Evaluate the people in your life; then promote, demote, or terminate. You’re the CEO of your life.”

There comes a time in life when you need to stop crossing oceans for people who wouldn’t jump puddles for you. Quit allowing people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, so be brave enough to let go of those who keep weighing you down. Wisdom is knowing when to walk away, courage is being able to do so, and dignity is walking away with your head held high. We are most afraid of the very things that will set us free. Let go of toxic and negative people and I promise a weight will be lifted off of your shoulders. Once you find the courage to stop grasping things so tightly that it hurts you, I promise you will find that everything starts to become inspiring.