Today, while sitting with my coffee and trying to make sense of this past week, something just clicked for me.
I realized how much of my energy I actually give away without noticing.
Not because people force me… but because I’m so used to being the “yes” person.
You probably know how that feels, you want to help, you don’t want anyone upset at you, and before you know it, you’re drained without even understanding why.
And most of the time, we don’t question it. We just keep going because it’s what we’ve always done.
But this week, it became clearer to me that not everyone deserves the same level of access to your energy.
Some people honestly lift you up, and some… well, some just take and take until you’re running on empty.
That’s when it hit me:
You’re better off being an energy protector than a people pleaser.
It’s Not Your Job to Make Everyone Comfortable
For the longest time, you might’ve felt like keeping everyone happy was somehow your responsibility.
You say yes even when you’re tired.
You agree to things even when your schedule is already full.
You answer messages even when you just want a moment of peace.
And you might think you’re being nice, but honestly, you’re just draining yourself.
And nobody sees the cost because you don’t show it.
You’re used to holding it together.
But people-pleasing doesn’t make life easier. It just makes you more exhausted.
Protecting Your Energy Isn’t Rude — It’s Necessary
When you start putting boundaries, some people might not understand it right away.
And that’s okay.
People who genuinely care won’t make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
Protecting your energy simply means you’re becoming more aware of your limits.
You’re learning what drains you, what stresses you, what triggers your anxiety and you’re finally deciding you don’t want to feel that way all the time.
You’re not being unkind.
You’re being honest with yourself.
Pay Attention to How You Feel After Talking to Someone
This is something I noticed too:
How you feel after interacting with someone says everything.
Some people make you feel calmer.
Some make you feel inspired.
Some just make you laugh and that alone is good for the soul.
But there are people who leave you feeling tired, confused, or stressed… and maybe you’ve brushed it off for too long.
This week probably gave you hints on who fits where.
It’s up to you to listen.
A Simple Sunday Self-Check
Before you start another week, take a moment to ask yourself:
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Who drained me?
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Who supported me?
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Where did most of my energy go?
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Where do I want it to go instead?
These questions help more than you think.
Sometimes the clarity you’re looking for is already there, you just never stopped long enough to notice it.
Give Yourself Permission to Choose Peace
So if you’ve been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin, maybe it’s not because you’re weak or unmotivated.
Maybe it’s simply because you’ve been giving too much of yourself away.
You don’t have to please everyone.
You don’t have to say yes all the time.
And you definitely don’t have to carry responsibilities that were never meant for you.
Be kinder to yourself this week.
Put your peace first.
And don’t feel guilty about it.
The woman you’re becoming needs your energy, not the leftover pieces of what others take from you.
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