Our self-worth is something we should nurture and protect. Maintaining boundaries that reflect our authentic selves can ensure we are surrounded by people that foster genuine connections based on nurturing reciprocity.
Taking care of other people’s needs before our own can represent a wonderful act of kindness; establishing space for safety, compassion, healing and growth. There are times in life when the giving of ourselves in this way is necessary and affirming. An imbalance occurs, however when there’s no connectedness and exchange — meaning those we put first, care for or show love to rarely do the same for us.
Making our well-being a priority requires us to define what that is for ourselves; owning who we are and nourishing this through self-care. Being mindful of where and who we gift our energy to is one of the most empowering things we can do.
How do you protect your energy? Do you set boundaries in your life?
Further Info:
How To Stop Being A People-Pleaser – VeryWellMind
Building Exceptional Relationships – Psychology Today
This is part of my poetry collection, if you share my work on social media, please do not edit it, remove my name or forget to give credit (tag my Instagram and/or link back to this post or my Poetry Page). If you wish to use my poetry in any other way, please contact me for permission. Thank you.
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transatlantic | notes 
This is such a great tip! I do find myself putting others joy ahead of my own at times, and this is a good reminder to take care of yourself first . Thanks for sharing this.
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I am so happy it was a useful reminder — one I need from time to time!
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I do agree we need to look after ourselves and this will give us strength to support others too.
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100%!
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I’ve been having such an odd day and honestly a part of it is about me feeling used by other people. This poem made my morning a little bit better. I am going to go check out some other poems by you too rn!
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It’s an awful feeling when we are used by others, it is never fair or right for them to do that. You deserve better than that! I am happy the poem helped in some way!
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This a great reminder for self care and knowing your self worth. Far to often, I give the best of myself out before I refuel. I have started to do better with self care. I am much happier that way.
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100% right; we have to be able to refuel, it’s essential! I am happy to hear that you are doing more self-care, it’s how we nurture ourselves and that is worth every moment.
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Definitely something to remind us all to think of ourselves, the last year I have really been focusing on putting myself first more and looking after me. I am naturally a “want to help everyone” kind of person so it is important to be kind to myself too x
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I tend to look after others and neglect myself so I understand how easy it is to put ourselves aside, but that serves no one. We have to show love inwards to give it outwards. Thanks so much for reading!
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It becomes more difficult during the holidays with the rush to find the perfect gift, sending cards, and cooking others’ favorite treats. Thank you for the reminder that we must take care of ourselves too.
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Exactly — any busy time or stressful experiences can be when we lose ourselves a bit or forget to take care of our needs. I’m glad this was a useful reminder!
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Just read a couple of posts on your blog and I love how you look at life–authenticity and self love are so important and you do a great job reminding us all of that.
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Thank you — I really appreciate you saying that. I hope what I write makes a connection wherever it can, it’s nice to build a sense of community and care. Thanks so much for reading!
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My pleasure!
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This is such a useful and great tip. Thanks so much for sharing!
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I’m so glad you liked it!
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I love the poem, all so true and well articulated. It is funny, the first time you put yourself first you feel so selfish. But after a while you can see the effect living in your own space has on others, and it is positive.
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Right!? When I was writing the poem and the post I still felt that little internal voice that says putting our needs first is selfish. I think it feels like this as we assume it’s always putting ourselves before everyone else, which isn’t true. Thanks so much for reading!
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Great Post and Great tip…. Something I really needed to read today!!!
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Thank you — I am so glad this resonated with you!
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I definitely need reminders like this in my life. I have been on a journey of putting myself first and it is… hard. I still struggle with feelings of guilt because I chose my well-being over anything else. So reminders like this are so helpful!
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It is definitely hard and will always be a work in progress as we ebb and flow through life. I understand the feelings of guilt too, which is such a shame that we’re conditioned to feel that way simply because we want to make sure we’re okay. I am so happy thought that this reminder was useful!
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Great timing for this as things tend to get a little hectic over the Christmas period. I’ve learned to set boundaries over the last few years. Before that, I was the yes girl!
I loved your poetry and can’t wait to read more 🙂
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I know exactly what you mean about being a ‘yes’ person — it ends up being exhausting! I am so glad this poem resonated — thank you so much for reading!
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Beautiful poem! A lot of self love in it. Keep it up.
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Thank you so much!
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Beautiful poem, I love the design and layout of the graphic too, it adds to your words!
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Thank you!
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I love your poetry Molly!
I used to be a people pleaser because I thought that I needed others to like me. I found out that those who matter understand our boundaries and are ok with listening to no as an answer from time to time. Ourself comes first and taking good care of him should be our first priority.
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100%! It’s so important that people understand our boundaries — and respect them! We have to take care of ourselves otherwise we cannot share love. joy and care with those around us.
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Great poem and I think setting boundaries and protecting our energy is SO important. We can’t care or tend to others to the best of our abilities if our own mental state is crumbling x
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Exactly! If we are always giving to others, especially to those who only take from us and give nothing of themselves in return, it will leave us depleted. Protecting our energy is vital work!
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Whenever I open your blog I know I need to read carefully. You talk of mature topics and I like that. A balance is good. It does consume a person when there is no exchange and maybe, to step away if you only feel consumed. Yes I relate. But now I’ve out my foot down. Thanks for the thoughts. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
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Balance is definitely important and it can be hard to maintain or keep an eye on sometimes so it’s good to have a reminder every now and then. Thanks for the lovely words — and for reading my poem/post!
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I absolutely love this description of healthy relationships: “genuine connections based on nurturing reciprocity.” What a beautiful thing that is. I am still learning the balance of giving and receiving in relationships, I think. I really try to pay attention to how enthusiastic my “yes” is when I agree to do something for someone. It’s usually a telling sign of whether I’m keeping good boundaries.
I adore your poem. Thank you for sharing your words ❤
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I love your idea of leaning into how enthusiastic you “yes” is — that is a fantastic way to guide yourself. I’m going to use that (if I may) as it’s such a simple yet effective idea! Thanks for sharing it!
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Definitely use that method to see if it’s helpful for you! I’d love that. I find that it gives me permission to change my yes to a no, too, if I get that horrible feeling I made the wrong choice. I hope it helps:)
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That does really help — thank you!
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This is such an amazing poem Molly! So many times, we are guilty of looking after everyone else but ourselves. I love that this is a gentle reminder to check in with ourselves and take care of ourselves as well. In the end we matter and we can’t really take care of others in the best possible way if we are not in good shape!
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100%! This is where reciprocity comes in (of which I am a firm believer in). If we are to love and care for others, we have to love and care for ourselves as well as have people care for us. Thank you so much for reading!
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Totally needed to hear this today! Beautiful words and couldn’t agree more Molly! Taking care of ourselves is so important and sometimes we tend to overlook it for everyone else benefit x
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I’m so glad to hear that this resonated — thank you so much for stopping by!
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