When Generosity Asked for a Refund
Turns out my greatest life coach didn’t come with a diploma, it came with a subscription model called “people who love your energy but don’t want to reciprocate it” 💅 I used to think generosity meant: give, give, give… and then maybe give a little more just in case the universe is watching. Spoiler: it was watching. Taking notes. And quietly whispering, “this is self-abandonment with extra steps.” The lesson has been hilariously humbling. Some connections didn’t fall apart, they simply revealed their true business model: all-inclusive support, one-way checkout. And I finally stopped working there as unpaid staff. And when I stopped over-giving? Oh, suddenly some doors “closed.” Which I now realize is life gently saying: “Wrong set, darling. Exit stage over here, new scene loading.” What I once labeled rejection is now looking suspiciously like relocation energy. Possibly even a passport stamp in disguise. Now I’m learning to be a softer heart with a sharper boundary system. Still loving deeply, just no longer signing up for emotional heavy lifting without a gym membership agreement. Not everyone is meant to come along into the next chapter. Some are characters, some are teachers, and some are just… very committed cameos. And me? I’m apparently becoming a deluxe edition of myself: • love expanded • overgiving expired • boundaries installed like premium software • patience still buffering… but updating beautifully 🌱