MMA

🎙️ dear, internet. episode 008 — learning to choose yourself without feeling guilty welcome back to our little corner of the internet. 🤍 can we talk about how difficult it is to choose yourself sometimes? especially when you’re used to being the person who understands, adjusts, compromises, and makes sure everyone else is okay. you say yes kahit gusto mong tumanggi. you make time for people kahit pagod ka na. you keep adjusting because you don’t want anyone to feel bad, and you keep explaining yourself because you don’t want to be misunderstood. and when you finally decide to do something for yourself, there’s this little voice in your head asking, “am i being selfish?” why is it that saying no to other people sometimes feels like we’re doing something wrong? maybe it’s because we’re so used to measuring how good of a person we are by how much we’re willing to give. the more we help, the more we adjust, the more we sacrifice, the more we feel like we’re doing things right. but what happens when giving so much starts leaving you with nothing for yourself? what happens when you’re so busy making sure everyone else feels loved and supported that you don’t even notice how exhausted you’ve become? sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that being a good person doesn’t mean being available all the time. you can care about someone and still need space. you can love your family and still have boundaries. you can be a good friend without being available every time someone needs you. and you can say no without writing an entire paragraph to justify your decision. HAHAHAHA. of course, choosing yourself doesn’t mean ignoring everyone else’s feelings or doing whatever you want without considering the consequences. it simply means recognizing that your feelings, needs, and well-being deserve consideration, too. hindi porket kaya mong mag-adjust, ikaw na lang palagi ang mag-a-adjust. hindi porket naiintindihan mo ang pinagdadaanan ng iba, kailangan mong balewalain ang sarili mong nararamdaman. and hindi porket may taong nadisappoint sa decision mo, ibig sabihin mali ka na agad. sometimes, people will be uncomfortable with the boundaries you set, especially if they’re used to you always saying yes. but their discomfort doesn’t automatically mean you’re doing something wrong. you can be considerate without abandoning yourself. you can be generous without giving beyond what you can afford emotionally. and you can love people without making yourself responsible for everyone’s happiness. so if you’ve been feeling guilty for taking a break, saying no, changing your mind, or finally doing something you’ve wanted for yourself, here’s your reminder: you don’t have to keep choosing everyone else just to prove that you love them. you are also someone who deserves the patience, understanding, and kindness you so freely give to other people. maybe choosing yourself won’t always feel comfortable at first. maybe you’ll have to unlearn the habit of apologizing every time you put your needs into consideration. but i hope you learn that taking care of yourself isn’t a betrayal of the people you love. you belong in the life you’re trying so hard to make better, too. 🤍 💭 your turn: do you find it difficult to say no to people because you feel guilty, or have you learned to prioritize yourself without overexplaining? let’s talk. this is your room, too. 🎙️ — end of episode 008.