YOU’RE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE YOURSELF No one tells you how tiring it is to keep everyone happy while you quietly fall apart. To smile when you're overwhelmed To stay small so no one feels uncomfortable around your light. Choosing yourself isn't loud or selfish. It's softly saying, "I love you, but I can't keep losing myself to keep you." It's the message you don't send, the "no" you don't apologise for, the moment you choose peace over approval. Some people won't understand and that's okay. Your healing doesn't need their permission. Protecting your heart isn't abandonment. It's self-respect.