Priorities

What are your priorities at the moment?

I believe that at different phases of life, our priorities shift. And not just because of age or circumstance—but because our perception of life evolves too.

Many years ago, when I was deep in my people-pleasing era, my priority was always others. Whenever I was with people, I would go above and beyond to make sure they were happy, taken care of, and comfortable. In return? I often felt drained, unappreciated, and deeply unsatisfied. I was sacrificing my own needs, my time, and my self-worth for people who, honestly, may not have even cared.

Through some painful lessons and a lot of self-reflection, I realized that I was living to please. And while that realization stung, I’m grateful for it. It gave me the clarity I needed to start setting boundaries and to shift my priorities back to myself.

Of course, not everyone understands. Some people see this change and label me as selfish or unkind. But you know what? That says more about them than it does about me. I’ve learned that setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about protecting your peace.

Learning to say “no” is powerful. Standing up for what I truly want and need is freeing. Now, I choose who and what deserves my time and energy. I choose myself—without guilt.

And when I see others—especially those raised in more traditional families—caught in the same people-pleasing loop, I feel for them. The pressure to always be agreeable, to always meet expectations, to put others first—it’s exhausting. But I have faith. I believe one day, they’ll realize it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to protect their peace too.

Because when we shift our priorities to honor our own well-being, everything changes. We feel lighter, more alive, and more aligned with who we truly are.