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The Best Thing I Have Learned This Year

Letting people be who they naturally are

Diana C.
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself
2 min readDec 21, 2024

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Young lady posing
Ribhav Agrawal on Pixabay

We spend so much time, effort and energy psychoanalyzing people, overthinking their actions and trying to figure out how to keep their presence in our lives. Some of us have tiptoed around people so as not to upset them or unconsciously tried to control the way they perceive and react to us. But that’s too much work, and ultimately leads to self-destruction.

As we approach the end of 2024, I’ve realised that one of the best things life has taught me this year is to let people be who they naturally are. My partner recently shared how liberating it feels to be unconditionally accepted, which warmed my heart.

I’ve changed a lot recently, especially when I think about the most difficult relationships in my life—especially the one with my mother. My unhealed inner child took it upon herself to take on mom’s responsibilities, then to try to save her, then, having failed at both, to try to change her. No more. As an adult, I have set boundaries in our relationship to ensure my own wellbeing while respecting her freedom.

We are not in the business of changing people. The best we can do is bring our best selves to the table, coming from a place of love, kindness and respect. How other people respond is ultimately up to them, and the most we can do is embrace the understanding that paths may diverge and people may wander.

Give people their time and space. Allow them to be who they naturally are, in whatever phase or stage they may be. Sometimes giving them their freedom and letting them be shows how deeply you recognise and respect the rhythms and patterns of relationships and life.

In what ways do you find yourself trying to control or influence the behavior of others?

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Know Thyself, Heal Thyself
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

Published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

Authenticity, vulnerability, awareness & growth through storytelling, sharing of personal experiences, and knowledge on spiritual matters.

Diana C.
Diana C.

Written by Diana C.

Editor at KTHT & Hobbies & Stories. Penning, polishing, and provoking thoughts. My online presence is vast, explore it here: https://linktr.ee/ktht

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