I recently made a huge decision: I let go of people who didn’t have our best interests in mind. They spoke badly behind closed doors and praised me to my face. I feel amazing and crushed at the same time — and that’s okay. I chose my peace. I chose healthier boundaries. It hurts, but I already feel lighter. If you’re doing the same or thinking about it, here are a few things that helped me: - Name the feelings. Writing them down made them less overwhelming. - Limit contact and triggers while you heal. - Lean on people who truly support you, even for short check-ins. - Keep tiny self-care routines: sleep, move, eat, and do one thing you enjoy each day. - Journal the reasons you made the choice so you can come back to them when doubt shows up. It’s normal to feel relief and loss at once. Expect some pushback from others — that often reflects them, not you. Be ready with a calm line like: "I made a decision that’s healthier for me.” You don’t owe more than that. This hurts now, but it’s an act of self-respect. The loneliness is temporary; the peace will last. If you’ve done this before, I’d love to hear how you coped — you might help someone who’s in the middle of it.