Finding Peace in Letting Things Be:

Have you ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of trying to control how others perceive you? I know I have. Lately, I’ve been contemplating the simple yet profound act of letting things be. Instead of striving to mold everyone’s opinion, what if we focused on something much more powerful: embracing who we truly are.
This isn’t about being rigid or unwilling to grow. It’s about finding a deep sense of acceptance for the person you are at your core.

The Power of Kindness and Self-Respect:
In this journey of self-acceptance, two guiding principles stand out: kindness and self-respect.
* Lead with love: When our actions are rooted in kindness and compassion, even if misunderstandings arise, we can know in our hearts that our intentions were pure. The outcome might not always be what we expect, but we can rest assured that we were striving to do our best.
* Never stoop to hurting others: Our energy is precious. Let’s not waste it on negativity or trying to bring others down. True strength lies in lifting ourselves and those around us with positivity.

The Trap of Overthinking and People-Pleasing:
For so long, I was caught in a cycle of overthinking and overanalyzing. I became a master of trying to anticipate everyone’s needs and ensure their happiness. This often meant:
* Constantly doing things for others: My own needs took a backseat as I prioritized the wants and expectations of those around me.
* Struggling to set boundaries: The simple phrase, “I need time for myself,” felt impossible to utter.
This constant striving for external validation left me feeling drained and disconnected from my own inner voice.

A Turning Point: Understanding Myself Through ADHD
About a year and a half ago, a significant piece of my personal puzzle clicked into place: I was diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis wasn’t a label; it was an explanation. It illuminated so many aspects of my experience:
* The inability to truly rest: That persistent feeling of being “on,” like my internal engine was always running.
* A racing heart: The physical manifestation of a constantly active mind.
* A flurry of unfinished projects: The tendency to dive into new ideas with enthusiasm, only to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume.
* Nighttime anxieties: The absurd “what-ifs” that would keep me awake, spiraling into unlikely scenarios.
* Reliving the past: An endless loop of replaying old memories, things that held no bearing on the present day.
For years, I simply labeled myself an “overthinker,” someone who was perhaps too attuned to the emotions of others. While empathy is a gift, the ADHD diagnosis helped me understand that my internal wiring contributed significantly to this constant mental processing.

How does this resonate with you and your own experiences? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Blessed Be!

Samantha Staggs