protection

As I was walking back from the train, I said something to myself that felt so profound: "I am going to protect you."

I've never thought that before. I've never liked myself enough to say that (or mean it). But now, I feel this deep and fierce impulse to protect myself.

Is that strange?

I thought about my inner emotional self – the sensitive, sweet inner version of me – and thought "you should be safeguarded."

I want to cherish that part of myself. I want to let her express herself in a healthy way, free from judgement or shame.

My mental model is shifting away from victimhood and self-doubt to one where I believe in myself, I respect myself, and I want to protect myself from judgemental people (myself included).

I won't let negativity infect me anymore.

It's liberating.